
Glass 
Book 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



Historical and Biograpiiical Work, 



PAST AND PRESENT 



-OF- 



Clinton County, 



-COMPRISING- 



A SKETCH OF EVERY TOWN AND TOWNSHIP OF THE 

COUNTY FROLI DATE OF SETTLEMENT 

UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



-ALSO- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

OF MANY PROMINENT CITIZENS, BUSINESS MEN AND OLD RESI- 
DENTS, AND A COMPLETE HISTORY OF ALL MURDERS, 
FLOODS, AND OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS 
THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN 
CLINTON COUNTY. 



J. MILTON FUREY, 

Lock Hav^en, Pa. 



1892. 



WILLIAMSPORT, PA.: 
PENNSYLVANIA GRIT PRINTING HOUSE. / 







Enti'i-fd iiccordins to Act of Conjrress, in the year 1S'.12, by 

J. MILTON FUUEY, 
In the ofBce of the Librarian of Congress, at Wasiungton. 



PREFACE. 

One year ago, at the solicitation of friends, we began to 
gather material for a brief history of Clinton county. The 
difficulty in preparing a work of this kind cannot be un- 
derstood by anyone who has not been engaged in a work 
of a similar nature. We present this volume to the public, 
with the assurance that the facts contained herein are as 
nearly correct as it is possible to obtain them. For much 
of the early history of the county we are indebted to the 
memory of individuals, and, as memory is not always in- 
fallible, we may have made some errors, but we feel confi- 
dent they are k\v. We feel greatly indebted to our many 
friends who have furnished us with information, and we are 
particularly grateful to the different ministers who furnished 
us sketches of their churches; also, to J. B. G. Kinsloe, Hon. 
James W. Crawford, Hon. Coleman Grugan, Hon. John U. 
Shaffer, W. S. Carskaddon, T. T. Abrams, Esq., J. S. Bailey, 
Abbot B. Garth, Levi Consor, J. C. Sigmund, John E. 
Houlahan, P. H. Mulvihil, F. T. Morris, John McGhee, 
Captain J. S. Hall and J. W. Group. 

Our thanks are also due to Hon. John Blair Linn, of 

Bellefonte, Pa., for valuable assistance rendered. Also, to 

the various newspapers of the county, for information taken 

from their columns. And to all who in any way have aided 

us in the preparation of this work, we extend bur most 

grateful thanks. Respectfully yours, 

J. Milton Furey. 
Lock Haven, Pa., July ^th, i8g2. 




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PAST AND PRESENT 

OF 

CLINTON COUNTY. 



J. MILTON FUREY. 



J. Milton Furey, the author and compiler of this work, 
was born near the village of Pleasant Gap, Centre county, 
Pa., September i6th, 1857. His father was a farmer, and 
reared his son to the same calling. His early education 
was received at what was called the "Horn Town" school, 
named after the first settler of the place. He attended 
school during the winter and worked on the farm durino- 
the remainder of the year until 1877, when he left his home 
to seek his fortune in the far West. After a year spent in 
roaming, and failing to find the said fortune, he returned 
penniless and penitent to his home in Centre county, and 
again followed farming until December, 1879, when he 
started a bakery and confectionery in Bellefonte, Pa. The 
business was not a profitable one, and he soon gave it up, 
losing all he had invested. After spending a year in em- 
ployments of a various nature, he entered the "Centre Hall 
Academy," as it was then called, where he remained one 
term. In January, 1882, he entered the Lock Haven 
Normal School, and graduated from that institution in July, 
1883. After his graduation he secured a school in Mont- 
gomery county. Pa., where he taught one term. On the 25th 
of June, 1884, he was married to Ella Pauline Bigony, a 
daughter of Dr. P'.W. Bigony, who is a prominent physician 
of Montgomery county, Pa. He taught the following winter 
at Pleasant Gap, and, in the spring of 1885, moved to Belle- 



6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

fonte. In the fall of the same year he was elected teacher 
of the colored school of that town, which position he held 
for two years. In 1887 he was elected principal of the 
North Ward Schools of Bellefonte, and re-elected in 1888. 
Having been elected principal of the Third Ward Grammar 
School of Lock Haven in July 1888, he resigned his po- 
sition in the Bellefonte Schools and moved to the city of 
Lock Haven, where he has had charge of the said school 
up to the present time. In the summer of 189 1, while pre- 
paring some work of an historical nature for one of the city 
papers, it was suggested to him by several friends that he 
publish a book of the same character. After giving the mat- 
ter some thought he decided to undertake the task, with 
what result has already been shown. He has spent nearly 
a year of time and considerable money in the preparation 
of this work, which he hopes will meet its requirement, and 
satisfy its readers ; if it does this he feels amply rewarded 
for his efforts in this his first literary venture. • 



SKETCH OF JERRY CHURCH. 

THE name of Jerry Church is inseparable from the history 
of Clinton county and Lock Haven. It was through 
his efforts the county was formed and named, and to him we 
owe the existence of Lock Haven as the county seat. No 
book of this kind would be complete without a sketch of 
himself, which we now proceed to give, as we find it in a 
book entitled, ''Travels of Jerry Church," which was 
written by himself, aud published by a firm in Harrisburg 
in 1845. 

In the said book he informs the public that he was born 
in the town of Jericho, now called Bainbridge, in the state of 
New York, in 1796. His parents were formerly from the 
state of Vermont. His early education was received in the 
school of his native town, which was taught in the winter 
by a man, and in the summer by what they called a school- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 7 

marm. He informs us that he liked the summer school 
the best, and was somewhat sorry when he was expelled 
from the school for trying to kiss his teacher. This ended 
his education so far as the schools were concerned. And 
at the age of fourteen he went to work at making shingles, 
which was an important industry in his section at that time. 

He says he worked about two years at this business, and 
then stopped, giving as his excuse that hard work did not 
agree with him, and that it hurt his feelings. 

However, at the time he gave up the shingle business, he 
had managed to save between three and four hundred dol- 
lars. This he invested in cattle, and turned drover. The 
investment proved a failure, as he drove his cattle to Orange 
county, N. Y., and could not sell them at cost, hence he 
lost his time and hibor, and he returned home with scarcely 
enough money to purchase a suit of clothes, which he states 
he was very much in need of at that particular time. He 
says: "his father advised him, at this period of his existence, 
to turn his attention to some other business, as he was not 
cut out for a drover. He therefore decided to become a 
musician, and purchased a violin, which his folks would not 
allow him to bring into the house, hence he was compelled 
to practice in the barn, which, he assures us, was a difficult 
task on cold days. However, he became sufficiently ac- 
complished in the art so as to be able to play a few tunes 
in a fair and respectable manner, and was finally hired to 
travel with a wax figure exhibition as musician, a position 
which he greatly enjoyed, but which was not very profitable. 

He gave this up, and turned his attention to cutting 
and rafting lumber. He was assisted in the enterprise by 
an older brother. They cut their timber in the winter and in 
the spring, while rafting it down the Susquehanna, they lost 
control of their raft and it ran on an island, causing them 
serious loss, and when the lumber was marketed they had very 
little left for their season's work. Once more he abandoned 
the lumber business, and decided to try his fortune in a 
Western country. In company with a carpenter friend 



8 PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

named Solomon Dickey, he traveled through Canada, but as 
they did not like the Canadians very well they concluded 
to go to Olean Point, New York state. There they hired 
out to build boats and skiffs for the sum of ;^i6 per month. 
He informs us that it was at this place he had the first streak 
of good luck in his life." He says: "I was invited to 
play the fiddle for a country ball, and received $25 for my 
services, which was quite a sum for the pocket of a poor 
boy." After working there for about four months, they 
made a boat for themselves and went down the Alle- 
gheny river to a place called Portsmouth, m Ohio, where 
they parted company and never saw each other again. 

Jerry Church, being left to himself, wandered around un- 
til he struck a place called Middleburn, in Ohio. Here he 
met a man named Parker, who had been a merchant in the 
vicinity of Church's former home, at Jericho. 

He says: "Parker informed me that he was about to build 
a still-house for the manufacturing of whisky, which would 
pay him big, and if they could not make much money they 
could at least make enough whisky to cheer their droop- 
ing spirits and make them/if^/ rich-" He assisted his friend 
Parker to erect the house, and to manufacture whisky for 
nearly a year, when they purchased a boat and loaded it 
with cider and apples, and took their load down the Ohio 
to the Kenhawa river, and up that to Charleston, Virginia, 
where they traded it for salt, which they carried back and 
traded for bacon, flour, potatoes or anything in the shape of 
produce. He followed this business for about a year, when 
he gave it up and hired with the captain of a produce boat 
at fifty cents per day. The work being hard, and the pay 
not enough, he soon gave up the business, and in company 
with a Frenchman started a store boat. 1 hey loaded their 
boat at a small town below Cincinnati with store goods of 
all descriptions, and sailed down the river, stopping at every 
town until they had sold their stock, when they also sold 
the boat and gave up business. His next venture was the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 9 

wax figure business, which he followed for a season, until 
he was taken sick with the ague, which compelled him to 
remain idle for nearly a year. He next became a clerk in 
a little country store, and afterwards turned peddler; which 
business seemed to flourish to such an extent, that he finally 
saved enough money to start a store of his own, which he 
did in the house of a farmer who resided on the bank of the 
Licking river. He remained for a year, when a desire to 
return home seized him and he gave up business, and after 
purchasing a horse and wagon started for the home of his 
youth. He traveled through the state of Ohio, and finally 
arrived at Harri.sburg, the capital of Penn.sylvania, where 
he met a brother and sister of his, the former being a 
resident of the town, and the latter being there on a visit. 
His sister accompanied him to Jericho, where they found 
their mother, brothers and sisters, their father having 
died previous to this time. He next went into the store 
business with an older brother, at a place called Colesville, 
in Brown county, N. Y. The people of that section were 
poor, and nearly everything purchased at the store was paid 
for in lumber, shingles, etc. 

The business becoming monotonous to him, he took 
what lumber he could collect and rafted it down the Sus- 
quehanna and sold it at Marietta. After this he traveled 
through several of the Southern states, visiting the gold 
fields of North Carolina; going from there to Tennessee 
and Missouri, and finally through quite a number of the 
Western states. He was accompanied on this expedition 
by one of his brothers, and they took up a homestead near 
the town of Ottawa, III. They remained on their land about 
a year, when the brother became tired of the West, and de- 
cided to return to his home in the East. So they laid out their 
land into lots and started in a wagon, drawn by oxen, for 
the town of Chicago, a distance of eighty miles. 

Chicago at that time contained about six houses, and 
was occupied by the French and Indians. Jerry Church 
says: "We then took passage in a wagon that was going 



lO PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

to Michigan through the Indian country without any road. 
On our trip we came to the home of an old Frenchman 
who had married an Indian squaw, and who had three 
pretty daughters. My brother fell in love with one of the 
girls and wanted to stay and be an Ingiin, but I persuaded 
him to travel on. Although he said he would just as soon 
be an Ingun as not, if he could live with one of those pretty 
girls." 

They traveled for some time through the state of Mich- 
igan, visited Detroit, then went to Buffalo, N. Y., and 
took a steamboat for Cleveland, Ohio. Here his brother left 
him and went to Tennessee to buy some land, and Jerry 
himself went back to Illinois to look after the town they 
had laid out on their homestead. On the way he met a 
man who had been to their new town, and who offered a 
wagon load of goods, wagon and horse included, for the 
Churchs' interest in the land. The trade was made, and 
once more Jerry Church was a full-fledged peddler. He 
traveled from place to place until he landed at St. Louis, 
where he sold his outfit and took passage on a steamer for 
New Orleans. Here his fever and ague came on him again, 
and he decided to return home if he could get there. He 
found a vessel about ready to sail for Philadelphia. He 
says: "I went aboard and asked to see thecaptain. They 
told me to walk down stairs into the cabin. I told them I 
could not do that, as I was too weak to walk anywhere. 
The captain then came up and I asked him if he could take 
a passenger to Philadelphia. He said he could not take 
me as I was too much of a skeleton to stand the voyage. I 
told him I wanted to go, and had the money to pay my 
fare, and it made no difference to him whether I could stand 
the trip or not so as he got the money. If I died he should 
wrap me in a blanket and toss me into the ocean. He said 
all right, I could go, which was very good news to me in- 
deed." 

The vessel stopped for the winter at the mouth of Morris 
river, about sixty miles from Philadelphia, and our hero 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I I 

was compelled to travel by land, which he did, and finally 
arrived at New Cumberland, at the home of his brother 
Robert. He next drifted to Middletown, where he made 
his home with a sister for a time. His next move was to 
invest in government lands in several of the Southern 
states; these he sold, and was thus placed once more on the 
road to prosperity. He then came to the town of Wil- 
liamsport and laid out what is called "Church's Addition" 
on a farm of 103 acres, which cost him and his brother 
Francis, who was at that time a resident of Wellsboro, 
Tioga county, $10,000. This investment was a profitable 
one, and the two brothers proceeded from Williamsport to 
Derrstown (now Lewisburg), where they purchased a tract 
of 125 acres for the sum of $5,625. Jerry Church says in 
connection with this purchase: "Having been in the habit 
of making towns, we got the idea into our heads that we 
could make one most any where, so we concluded to try a 
small one on the opposite side of the river from Lewis- 
burg. While we did not do them much harm as a rival, 
they were glad to buy of us at a big price. Two days after 
we had purchased it for $45 per acre, we laid out the land 
into streets and alleys, and called it Churchville. We sold 
the whole tract inside of two weeks, making considerable 
money but not much of a town." The brothers then went 
to Harrisburg, where they purchased a small mill patent, a 
mill and threshjng machine, horse power, and all the ap- 
paratus for setting them in motion at any place. They 
shipped their purchase by canal to Pittsburg, and started 
with a carriage and team of horses for that Western city. 
Upon their arrival there they found their machinery all 
right. They determined to ship the whole concern to 
Louisville. They accosted the captain of a ship and asked 
him if he carried freight. He said he could carry all they 
had. Jerry Church then informed him that they wanted 
him to take two ''Churches,'' a grist mill, a saw mill, and a 
carriage and two horses. The captain waxed angry and 
told them he could not carry such freight, but when in- 



12 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

formed as to the weight of the articles he changed his 
mind, and they landed at Louisville, where they tried their 
machinery, which failed to work. They finally sold out the 
concern and drifted from place to place until they found 
themselves in Chicago, where the two brothers parted 
company, the one going to the far West and Jerry Church 
returning to found the present city of Lock Haven. His 
story concerning the founding of Lock Haven we will give 
under another head. 

Many different stories have been told concerning the 
peculiarities of Jerry Church, but what he says of himself 
in the little book of which we have spoken gives a better 
idea of his real character than what anyone else can say 
about him. It is the opinion of all who were originally 
acquainted with the man that he at one time intended 
making his home in Lock Haven. He built himself a 
peculiar dwelling a few rods below the old Court House, of 
which he speaks as follows : "In order to carry out my 
originality I built an office in the town standing eight feet 
above the ground, on thirteen large posts or pillars, to rep- 
resent our thirteen Continental states. In the first place it 
is made by placing thirteen large pine trees five feet in the 
ground, and thirty feet long, in their natural state, with the 
exception of taking the bark off, and painting them in im- 
itation of marble, with a fourteen feet room formed inside 
of the posts, so as to form a balustrade all around it; and 
the roof projecting over so as to protect the building. I 
concluded, when I was making it, that it was an odd look- 
ing office, and different from anyone I had seen in this 
country. And as I was no lawyer, and could not expect 
any notice or business in that way, I concluded that I 
would build my office so that clients might look at it with- 
out expense. If I am not very much mistaken, they would 
make as much at that as they would if I had been a lawyer 
myself I had a number of scientific gentlemen to view 
the little building, and they always asked what order I in- 
tended it to be. I told them I never did anything accord- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 3 

ing to order — it was all a matter of taste; that I never 
learned anythino- by note, and therefore could not inform 
them any more than that it was i)iy own order, and that 
appeared to satisfy their inquiries always. I had always 
concluded that there was no chance for me to have any 
kind of a monument erected in remembrance of me, unless 
I should place some of my odd matters and things before the 
public myself, so that they could not all pass by without 
observing that some person had been there before." He 
also says: "I had a summer seat built in the first place at 
Lock Haven, so that if I got tired I could go up and take 
a rest. It was formed in a cluster of black walnut trees. 
It was twenty-five feet from the ground, forty feet long, and 
seven feet wide, placed so as to be supported by the trees, 
banistered, and a seat running all around, and winding 
stairs up one of the trees. And I must say that when I 
went up on to the upper seat I felt like a bird. I had it 
painted by a German painter, and I told him that I would 
like to have it made like marble ; but as he did not under- 
stand English very well he made it what I call 'Dutch 
marble,'— all full of white and black spots. The natives of 
that country thought it was a wonderful thing, that I should 
throw away my money so, to make a nice seat to sit on, 
and asked me why I did so. I told them that I sat far 
more comfortable on the seat than I could on a bag of 
dollars. So they gave it up. It has ever since gone by 
the name of 'Church's Folly.' However all were willing 
to take a seat with me now and then." It is very natural 
to suppose that after a man had founded a town, and lived 
to see it become as prosperous as Lock Haven, he would 
be desirous of remaining in it in order to secure some of 
the honors if not the financial benefits of its prosperity. 
But such was not the case with Jerry Church. He seemed 
to have had a mania for laying out towns, and, after he saw 
them fairly started, to leave them to their fate. He watched 
the growth and fought the battles for his new town of Lock 
Haven until 1845, when he once more turned his face west- 



14 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

ward, where he remained until his death, which took place 
in Carlisle, Iowa, November i, 1874. He made several 
visits to Lock Haven, the last one being made in 1865. At 
this time he was honored by the citizens with a com- 
plimentary supper. 

In alluding to his death TJic Ijidianola Tribune, of Car- 
lisle, Iowa, gives the following sketch of the closing years 
of his life : 

"One of the earliest pioneers, and one of the most re- 
markable men of Central Iowa, has ended a life of adventure 
such as it has been the fortune of few to live. In the year 
1845 he came West to Des Moines while the Indians were 
yet in possession of the country, and in 1846 laid out the 
town of Dudley, about two miles east of Carlisle, on the 
Des Moines river, which place he abandoned in 185 i, after 
the great freshet of that year had made sad havoc with his 
embryo city. He then moved to Carlisle, which he had in 
the meantime laid out. Soon after he went to Kansas, and 
in furtherance of his mania for laying out towns, he laid out 
the town of Franklin, near Lawrence, which, however, was 
another failure, and he spent most of the time for some 
years at Carlisle, until a few years since he went to Nebraska, 
and, carrying out his desire for pioneer life, took a home- 
stead. He remained in Nebraska until brought back by 
Dr. Hull to the home of his pioneer days, where on Sun- 
day, November i.st. Uncle Jerry breathed his last, and was 
buried by the loving hands of those who had known him 
so long and so well. We have sketched thus fully the de- 
tails of his adventures to show the natural vent of his life, 
and his nature as a pioneer. While Uncle Jerry was never 
a prominent man in society, or in state or nation, yet he 
was one of those men whom it was a pleasure to know ; 
one of those strong, sensible, sturdy pioneers to whom our 
country owes so much; one of those who were the fore- 
runners of a more advanced civilization, who prepared the 
way for the inhabitants of the West, and moulded to a great 




HON. CHARLES R. iWAYER, 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1^ 

extent the course and destiny of a great and prosperous 
country. Dangers had no terror for him, and his whole 
life was spent in their very midst. He was plain and blunt 
in the expression of his opinons, which were always strong 
and well taken. He was very charitable, almost so to a 
fault, and no poor man or woman ever appealed for as- 
sistance in vain to his kindly heart. To the children Uncle 
Jerry was almost a divinity; so kindly in all his actions, so 
full of his naratives of adventures of frontier life, in which 
they delight, that he was a welcome visitor at every hearth- 
stone, and the friend and intimate of all who knew him. 
Enemies he had none, nor could have had, for everything 
in his nature was such as to make only friends. In his re- 
ligious belief he was a consistent Univcrsalist. His re- 
ligious faith was firm to the end, and his sad burial rites 
were performed by a minister of that denomination, the 
fortunes of which he had followed, and the success of 
he had desired so long." 



SKETCH OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

PREVIOUS to March nth, 1762, the territory embraced 
within the present limits of Clinton county was a por- 
tion of Chester, one of the original counties into which the 
province of Pennsylvania was divided by William Penn. 
On the above named date Berks county was formed, taking 
that part of Chester which contained what is now Clinton. 
By Act of March 21st, 1772, Northumberland county was 
taken in part from Berks and included the present Clinton. 
When Lycoming county was taken from Northumberland, 
in 1795, it also contained all the territory now embraced in 
Clinton county, a part of which was included in the forma- 
tion of Centre, in 1800. Therefore, when Clinton was organ- 
ized by Act of 1S39, it took portions of Centre and Lycom- 
ing. The townships of Bald Eagle, Lamar and Logan were 
taken from Centre county, and the others from Lycoming. 



1 6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Section i of the Act organizing the county of Qinton 
reads as follows : 

''Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the Conimomvealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly 
met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same. 
That all those parts of the counties of Lycoming and Cen- 
tre, and lying within the following boundaries, viz: Begin- 
ning at Pine Creek, where the north line of Lycoming 
county crosses said creek; thence a straight line to the 
house of William Herrod; thence following the Couders- 
port and Jersey Shore turnpike, the several courses and 
distances thereof, to the middle of Pine creek ; thence down 
the said creek, the several courses thereof, to its junction 
with the West Branch of the river Susquehanna; thence 
a straight line to the northeast corner of Centre county, 
thence to include Logan, Lamar and Bald Eagle townships 
in Centre county ; thence along the Lycoming county 
line to the southwest corner ©f said county; thence by the 
lines of Clearfield, McKean, Potter and Tioga counties to 
the place of beginning, and the same is hereby created into 
a separate county, to be called 'Clinton,' the seat of justice 
to be fixed by commissioners hereinafter appointed." 

Clinton county as well as Lock Haven, its county seat, 
owes its origin to the exertions of Jerry Church. The 
efforts made by Mr. Church to organize a county were 
strongly opposed by leading citizens of both Centre and 
Lycoming counties. 

Jerry Church, in his original manner, gives his own ac- 
count of the organization of the county, which is as follows: 
"I now undertook to divide the counties of Lycoming and 
Centre, and make a new county, to be called Clinton. I 
had petitions printed to that effect, and sent them to Har- 
risburg, to have them presented to the Legislature, and 
then went clown myself to have the matter represented in 
good order. My friend, John Gamble, was our member 
from Lycoming at that time, and he reported a bill. The 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1/ 

people of the town of Williamsport, the county seat of Ly- 
coming, and Bellcfonte, the county seat of Centre county, 
then had to be up and be doing something to prevent the 
division; and they commenced pouring in their remon- 
strances, and praying aloud to the Legislature not to have 
any part of either county taken off for the purpose of 
making a new one, for it was nothing more or less than 
some of Jerry Church's Yankee notions. However, I did 
not despair. I still kept asking every year, for three suc- 
cessive years, and attended the Legislature myself every 
winter. I then had a gentleman who had become a citizen 
of the town of Lock Haven, by the name of John Moor- 
head, who harped in with me — a very large, portly looking 
man, and rather the best borer in town ; and, by the bye, a 
very clever man. We entered into the division together. 
We had to state a great number of facts to the members of 
the Legislature, and perhaps something more, in order to 
obtain full justice. We continued on for nearly three years 
longer, knocking at the mercy seat, and at last we received 
the law creating the county of Clinton. In the year 1839 
the county was organized by the Hon. Judge Burnside." 

When the question of a new county was being discussed 
by the inhabitants interested, the name of "Eagle" was pro- 
posed and adopted, and petitions with that name presented 
to the Legislature, but after several unsuccessful attempts 
to obtain the required legislation, the name was dropped 
and the name of Clinton sbustituted as a ruse, intended to 
mislead the opponents of the new county movement. As 
the opposition in the Legislature had been so long and 
vigorously made against the forming of Eagle county, when 
that name which had become familiar to every member 
ceased to be presented, and Clinton appeared, the required 
act was passed before many of the members knew that the 
name belonged to the same territory they had been voting 
against for several successive winters. 

Immediately after the county was organized, three com- 
missioners, Colonel Cresswell, Major Colt and Joseph 

2 



1 8 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Brestel, were appointed to locate the county seat. There 
were several places anxious for the honor about to be con- 
ferred, but after viewing and considering all other locations. 
Lock Haven was chosen as the most desirable and appro- 
priate place. Accordingly, a site was selected for the public 
buildings near the lower end of the town, three squares from 
the river, and sufficient land for the purpose donated by 
Jerry Church. Soon after the building of the old Court 
House was begun by John Moorhead, Robert Irwin and 
George Hower, and completed in 1842 at a cost of ;^ 12,000. 
In the meantime the courts were held and all other county 
business transacted in the public house of W. W. Barker, a 
portion of which was rented for county purposes. The fol- 
lowing extract from a speech delivered at the dedication of 
the "New Court House," February 8th, 1S69, by H. T. 
Beardsley, Esq., will give our readers an idea of the place 
and manner in which the public business of that early day 
was conducted. The facts which the following sketch con- 
tains makes it part of the history of Clinton county: 

"This county was organized and the first court held in 
December, 1839. The court then, and for the years 1841 
and 1842, was held in a part of a two-story frame building 
that then stood on Water street, above the canal, known as 
'Barker's Tavern.' That house was burned down in 1855. 
It was what is known as a double front — that is, two rooms 
in front, with a hall between these rooms. The part on the 
east side of the hall was the court room, and was about 
twenty-eight feet in length by sixteen in width. Think ol 
it, a court room 28x16! Over this court room, in the 
second story, were the county officers, being two in number, 
and in size about 14x16 feet each. The front one was used 
as the commissioners and treasurer's office; and the back 
one as the office of the prothonotary, register and re- 
corder, clerk of the courts, etc., one man easily performing 
all the duties in the last mentioned office. You may be 
curious to know where the sheriff's office was. 'Old 
Sheriff Miller' discharred the duties of that office at the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I9 

period of which I am speaking. I recollect him well. A 
dark-visaged, good natured, genial man ; but that does not 
inform you where he had his office. It was not in the 
Court Mouse, nor was it in his own dwelling in Dunnstown, 
nor, may I add. was it in any other house in Lock Haven, 
Dunnstown, or Clinton county. All who recollect him will 
witness that he wore a high-crowned hat. and allow mc to 
inform you, that in that hat he kept his office. He placed 
an empty cigar box in the prothonotary's office, in which 
that official placed the writs that were occasionally issued, 
marking the day and hour of their being so deposited, and 
that was considered a delivery to the sheriff, who, upon 
coming to town, would transfer them to his hat, and the 
records of this court will show that very many of them 
never found their way back to the Court House. This brief 
sketch of our early judicial organization will revive old and 
probably pleasant recollections in some, and will be a 
matter of news to many, who have cast their lot amongst us 
in later years. I have no hesitation in saying that those 
primitive surroundings of our early history, taking into con- 
sideration the population of our town and county, at that 
time, and comparing it with the present, met more fully the 
wants and requirements of the Court and community at that 
time than the building we have just vacated did at the 
present time." At the first term of court, which was opened 
December i6th, 1839, Hon. Thomas Burnside was President 
Judge. John Fleming and George Crawford, Associates. 
The following named attorneys were admitted to practice 
in the several courts of Clinton county: 

Francis C. Campbell, John Blanchard. Joseph B. An- 
thony, Anson V. Parsons, H. N. McAllister, Andrew G. 
Curtin, Robert Flenimg. James Gamble, H. M. Bliss, James 
Armstrong, Henry D. Ellis. Bond Valentine. James Mc- 
Manus, James T. Hale, James Burnside, John Hoffman, 
William M. Patterson, Theodore Friend, F. A. Gwenner, 
Richard Williams. During the year 1840 the following at- 
torneys were admitted to practice: Richard Williams, 



20 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Adolphus D. Wilson, George W. Carskaddon, J. W. May- 
nard, H. T. Beardsley and Levi A. Mackey. 

The docket in which the records of the first court was re- 
corded was not a large book, yet it was used for three years. 
Of the attorneys who practiced in Clinton county courts at 
the organization of the county, none are seen at the bar at 
the present time. 

As the population and business of the county increased, 
it was found that the Court House, built in 1842, was inad- 
equate to the wants of the community. Therefore, it was 
decided to erect a new one. Accordingly, a location was 
selected on Water street, just above the canal, and the 
present elegant Court House was built. Colonel A. C. 
Noyes, J. F. Batchelcr and Pr. Samuel Adams having the 
contract for ;^93,ooo. This new Court House was formally 
dedicated February 8th, 1S69, on which occasion the Hon. C. 
A. Mayer, President Judge of the district, and H. T. 
Beardsley, Esq., delivered the addresses. 

The pioneer jail of the county was the cellar of the build- 
ing known as "Barker's Tavern." William Wyckoff was 
the first, and in fact the only prisoner ever incarcerated in 
this prison. 

The first jail built in Clinton county was constructed of 
logs, and stood near the site of the present jail, on Church 
street. It was not very large; yet it had accommodations 
for the sheriff and his family, besides plenty of room for the 
comfort and convenience of transient boarders, who had, as 
a rule, no particular desire to escape from the hospitable 
shelter of James Chatham, the first sheriff who lived in the 
log jail. 

The present jail was built during 1851 and 1852. The 
contractor was Anthony Kleckner. The original cost of 
the structure was $S,S7S- The front of the building was 
built of brick, and contained apartments for the sheriff and 
his family. The back part was built of stone, and contained 
the cells and yard for the prisoners. In 1871 and 1872 the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 21 

building was enlarged by Brown, Blackburn & Curtin, con- 
tractors, for the sum of $22,240. The present modern ed- 
ifice is a substantial building, and contains apartments for 
the sheriff and family, and has twenty-three strong, well 
ventilated cells for the prisoners. It is surrounded by a 
high wall, which extends back to the alley. The first sheriff 
to occupy the new jail in 1852 was Robert Irwin, who 
served from 185 1 to 1854. The first to occupy the building 
after it had been remodeled, in 1871 and 1872, was W. H. 
Brown. 

The first and only execution that ever took place in 
Clinton county was the hanging of Luther Shaffer, for the 
murder of Isaiah and Nora Colby. Shaffer was hanged in 
the jail yard, on a gallows brought from Williamsport for 
the purpose, on Wednesday, April 4th, 1888. 

The first election in Clinton county was after its organ- 
ization was held, on the second Tuesday of October, 1839. 
On this occasion the following officials were elected: 
Robert Fleming, state senator, for the district comprising 
the counties of Northumberland, Centre, Clinton and Ly- 
coming, Isaac Bruner and James Laverty were chosen 
Representatives, to represent the district comprising the 
counties of Lycoming, Clearfield and Clinton. James 
Laverty resigned, and, in conformity with public invitation, 
the Democrats of the county assembled in the Court House 
for the purpose of nominating his successor. A dispute 
arose as to who should act as chairman of the meeting, 
those present being al)out equally divided between John 
Fleming and David McCormick. After several ineffectual 
attempts to organize, a gentleman, who was acting as tem- 
porary chairman, suggested that both sides go out into the 
Street and stand in line, so that each side could be counted. 
The suggestion was acted upon, but even then both sides 
claimed the greatest number, and finally the friends of John 
Fleming entered the court room and placed their man in the 
chair. They immediately proceeded to business by ap- 
pointing a committee of fifteen to draft a preamble and res- 



22 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 

olutions, expressive of the sense of the meeting. Conferees 
were appointed, with instructions to do all in their power to 
secure the nomination of John Moorhead, Esq. Mean- 
while David McCormick's friends repaired to the hotel of 
J. P. Huling, where they organized, drew up a preamble 
and resolutions, and appointed conferees, instructing them 
to secure the nomination of George Leidy. David McCor- 
mick was president of the McCormick meeting; John 
Kryder and J. M. Gallauher, vice-presidents. T. A. Friend, 
Esq., stated the object of the meeting and submitted the 
resolutions. This meeting nominated George Leidy, and 
appointed T. P. Simmons and Colonel John Smyth con- 
ferees. On the following Monday the conferees from the 
several counties met at the hotel J. P. liuling. The two 
factions from Clinton appeared and claimed seats. After 
an investigation it was decided that one out of each set 
should be allowed to take part in the proceedings of the 
meeting. They at once proceeded to vote, and on the 
twelfth ballot George Leidy, of Salona, Clinton county. Pa., 
was duly nominated. 

The sheriff elected at the first election was John Miller; 
commissioners, Hugh White, Robert Bridgens and An- 
thony Kleckner ; auditors, Joseph Quay, Cephas Balcheler 
and John H. Chatham; coroner, James Carskaddon. 

The first prothonotary elected in Clinton county was 
Philip Krebs, elected in October, 1840. Thomas Simmons, 
who was the first treasurer of the county, was elected the 
same year. 

Clinton county has had nine president judges. 

The first was Hon. Thomas Burnside, who served from 
December, 1839, to May term, 1841. 

Hon. George W. Woodward — served from September 
term, 1841, to February term, 185 1. 

Hon. James T. Hale — held but two courts, viz: May and 
September terms, 185 1, 

Hon. Alexander Jordon — served from December term, 
185 1, to May term, 1853. 




HON. clfliWES W. CLARK, 
Lock Haven. Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 23 

Hon. James Burnside — served from September term, 
1853, to May term, 1859. 

Hon. James Gamble — held but one court, viz: September 
term, 1859. 

Hon. Samuel Linn — served from December term, 1859, 
to May term, 1868. 

Hon. J. B. McNally — held but one court, viz: September 
term, 1868, and Hon. Charles A. Mayer, who was elected in 
1868, re-elected in 1878, and again re-elected in 1888, and 
who is now serving his third term. 

Additional Law Judge — John H. Orvis, 1874. 



ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

Associate judges from 1839 to the present time were: 

John Fleming and George Crawford served from De- 
cember, 1839, to February, 1845. 

George Leidy and John M. Gallauher from February, 
1845, to February, 1850. 

George Leidy died before the expiration of his term, and 
George Bressler was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

George C. Harvey and John Graffius from December, 
1850, to December, 1856. 

Nathanael Hanna and Anthony Kleckner from Decem- 
ber, 1856, to December, 1861. 

Anthony Kleckner died in the fall of 1861, and Hon. 
William Parsons was appointed by Governor Packer to fill 
the vacancy. 

Joseph F. Quay and Cephas Batcheler, from -December, 
1 86 1, to December, 1866. 

William Parsons and George Warrick, from December, 
1866, to December, 1871. 

William Dunn and Coleman Grugan, from December, 
1 87 1, to December, 1876. 



24 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 

John W. Smith and Ch'ne Ouigley, from December, 1876, 
to December, 1881. 

William W. Rankin and Isaac Frantz, from December, 
1 88 1, to December, 1886. 

James W. Crawford and W. K. Chesnut was elected in 
November, 1886; the latter resigned in the spring of 1890, 
and George R. McCrea was appointed to fill the vacancy 
until the next regular election. In November, 1891, 
James W. Clark was elected for the regular term of five 
years. The first term of Judge Crawford expired in De- 
cember, 1 89 1, but he was re-elected for his second term; 
thus the associate judges at the present time are James W. 
Clark and James Crawford ; the term of the former will 
expire in December, 1895, and the term of the latter in 
December, 1896. 



REPRESENTATIVES. 

1839 — George Leidy. 

1840 — James Gamble, George Leidy. 

1 841 — George R. Barret. 

1842 — George R. Barret, George F. Boal. 

1843 — John L. Cook, George F. Boal. 

1844 — John Smith, Andrew A. Stewart. 

1845 — Andrew A. Stewart, Timothy Ives. 

1846 — Timothy Ives, Benjamin F. Pawling. 

1847 — William F. Packer, Timothy Ives. 

1848 — William F. Packer, John Smyth. 

1849 — William Dunn, William Brindle. 

1850 — William Dunn, William Brindle. 

1 85 1 — Jo.seph B. Torbert, John M. Kilburn. 

1852 — Joseph B. Torbert, John M. Kilburn. 

1853 — George J. Eldred, John B. Beck. 

1854 — William Fearon, Thomas Wood. 

1855 — John C. McGhee, Samuel Caldwell. 

1856 — Isaac Benson, J. W. B. Petrikin. 

1857 — Thomas W. Loyd, David K. Jackman. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2 5 

1858 — Lindsly Mehaffey, William Fearon. 
1859 — George A. Achenbach, Robert Crane. 
i860 — H. C. Dressier, William H. Armstrong. 
1861 — William H. Armstrong, James Chatham. 
1862 — Amos C. Noys, John B. Beck. 
1863 — Amos C. Noys, John B. Beck. 
1864— E. B. Elclred. 
1865— E. B. Eldred. 
1866— G. O. Deise. 
1867 — G. O. Deise. 
1868— W. J. Davis. 
1869 — A. B. Armstrong. 
1870 — A. C. Noyes. 
1 87 1— A. C. Noyes. 
1872 — A. C. Noyes, Samuel Wilson. 
1873— H. W. Petrekin, Richard Bedford. 
1874 — George A. Achenbach. 
1875 — George A. Achenbach. 
1876— A. J. Quigly. 
1877— A. J. Quigly. 
1878 — George J. Eldred, 
1879 — George J. Eldred. 
1880 — J. C. C. Whaley — died in office. 
1 88 1 — S. Woods Caldwell, elected vice Whaley died. 
1882— Joseph W. Merrey. 
1884 — Joseph W. Merrey. 
1886— John U. Shaffer. 
1888— John U. Shaffer. 
1890 — James C. Q niggle. 

Delegate to Constitutional Convention, 1873. — George 
A. Achenbach. 



DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

The first district attorney was : 
James W. Quiggle, elected in 1850. 
Tobias T. Abrams, elected in 1853. 
Charles A. Mayer, elected in 1856. 



26 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

G. Omet Deise, elected in 1859. 

G. Omet Deise, re-elected in 1862. 

C. S. McCormick, elected in 1865. 

James M. Deise, elected in 1868. 

James M. Deise, re-elected in 1871. 

William Parsons, Jr., elected in 1874, resigned in 1876. 

W. H. Clough, appointed in 1876. 

W. H. Clough, elected in 1877. 

George A. Brown, elected in 1881. 

George A. Brown, re-elected in 1884. 

A. W. Brungard, elected in 1887. 

A. W. Brungard, re-elected in 1890. 



SHERIFFS. 



John Miller, elected in 1839. 

John P. McElrath, elected in 1842. 

Jared P. Ruling, elected in 1845. 

James Chatham, elected in 1848. 

Robert Irwin, elected in 185 i. 

M. Q. Stewart, elected in 1854. 

Thomas McGhee, elected in 1857. 

Robert Hanna, elected in i860. 

John W. Smith, elected in 1863. 

A. S. Fleming, elected in 1866. 

John W. Smith, elected in 1869. 

John W. Fleming, elected in 1872. 

John Candor, elected in 1875. 

R. S. Barker, elected in 1878. 

Peter B. Smith, elected in 1881. 

D. M. May, elected in 1884. 

W. J. Leahy, elected in 1887. 

W. Marshall Everhart, elected in 1890. 



PROTHONOTARIES. 

Philip Krebs, elected in 1840. 
William Fearon, elected in 1843. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2/ 

John B. Wagner, elected in 1846. 
Thomas McGhee, elected in 1849. 
Thomas McGhee, re-elected in 1852. 
Robert Irwin, elected in 1855. 
Johnathan Moyer, elected in 1858. 
William L. Hamilton, elected in 1861. 
W. H. Brown, elected in 1864. 
W. H. Brown, re-elected in 1867. 
W. H. Brown, re-elected in 1 870. 
W. H. Brown, re-elected in 1873. 
George W. Batcheler, elected in 1 886. 
George W. Batcheler, re-elected in 1879. 
L. R. McGili, elected in 1882. 
L. R. McGjll, re-elected in 1885. 

McGill died in 1886, and J. F. Brown was appointed to 
fill out the unexpired term. 
J. F. Brown, elected in 1887. 
J. F. Brown, re-elected in 1890. 



COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Robert Irwin, appointed in 1839. 
Thomas P. Simmons, elected in 1840. 
Robert F. Carson, elected in 1843, 
John H. Chatham, elected in 1845. 
James H. Hunt, elected in 1847. 
David Carskaddon, elected in 1849. 
S. Montgomery Quiggle, elected in 185 i. 
Lyons Mussina, elected in 1853. 
Job W. Packer, elected in 1855. 
Andrew J. Quiggle, elected in 1857. 
John H. Chatham, elected in 1859. 
Joel Karstetter, elected in 1861. 
J. F. Batcheler, elected in 1863. 
Erasmus Whitman, elected in 1865. 
Piatt Hitchcock, elected in 1867. 
Peter W. Keller, elected in 1869. 



28 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Joseph F. Hayes, elected in 1871. 
John Q. Welsh, elected in 1873. 
Lucien W. Dunn, elected in 1875. 
A. H. Strayer, elected in 1S78. 
Wallace Gakle, elected in 1881. 
M. W. Herr, elected in 1884. 
R. M. Glenn, elected in 1887. 
S. Woods Caldwell, elected in 1890. 



REGISTERS AND RECORDERS. 

Philip Krebs, elected in 1852. 
I. N. Loomis, elected in 1855. 
William H. Smith, elected in 1858. 
H. M. Bossart, elected in 1861. 
Samuel B. Snook, elected in 1864. 
Samuel B. Snook, re-elected in 1867. 
Samuel B. Snook, re-elected in 1870. 
Samuel B. Snook, re-elected in 1873. 
James W. Clark, elected in 1876. 
James W. Clark, re-elected in 1879. 
James W. Clark, re-elected in 1882. 
James C. Smith, elected in 1885. 
James C. Smith, re-elected in il 
Alva S. Grow, elected in 1891. 



COMMISSIONERS. 

Hugh White, elected in 1839. 
Robert Bridgens, elected in 1839. 
Anthony Kleckner, elected in 1839. 
Anthony Kleckner, elected in 1840. 
Robert McCormick, elected in 1841. 
Joseph Hanna, elected in 1842. 
John Ruh, elected in 1843. 
John Dornblazer, elected in 1844. 
Christian Grieb, elected in 1845. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Joseph F. Quay, elected in 1846. 

Thomas Bridgens, elected in 1 847. 

George Walker, elected in 1848. 

Daniel Shadle, elected for three years in 1S49. 

William Myers, elected for two years in 1849. 

Adam Smith, elected in 1850. 

James Jefiferis, elected in 185 i. 

George Hartman, elected in 1852. 

John Heckman, elected in 1853. 

David Baird, elected in 1854. 

George Furst, elected in 1855. 

Griffin Rote, elected in 1856. 

Isaac Ramage, elected in 1857. 

Jacob Getz, elected in 1858. 

James Welsh, elected in 1859. 

Gideon Dornblazer. elected in i860. 

Jacob Stamm, elected in 1861. 

James Welsh, elected in 1862. 

George Gramley, elected in 1863. 

Jacob Quiggle, elected in 1 864. 

James Welsh, elected in 1865. 

A. J. Quiggle, elected in 1866. 

John Rishel, elected in 1867. 

Thomas M. Wolf, elected in 1868. 

Valentine Hanna, elected in 1869. 

Samuel Kahl, elected in 1870. 

Wallace Gakle, elected in 1871. 

Jacob Getz, elected in 1872. 

William A. White, elected in 1873. 

James Darid, elected in 1874. 

W. A. White, elected in 1874. 

Hugh Shaw, elected in 1875. , 

Jacob Getz, elected in 1875. 

N. L. Sterner, elected in 1875. 

Patrick Kane, elected in 1878. 

John F. Price, elected in 1878. 

J. A. McCloskey, elected in 1878. 



30 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Daniel M. Morris, elected in iS8i. 
Michael B. Rich, elected in i8Si. 
Joseph W. Hubbard, elected in i88i. 
Daniel M. Morris, elected in 1882. 
Daniel W. Hubbard, elected in 1882. 
John Grugan, elected in 1884. 
John F. Brosius, elected in 1884. 
Jeremiah D. Engles, elected in 1884. 
John Grugan, elected in 1887. 
Harvey Kleckner, elected in 1887. 
Jeremiah D. Engles, elected in 1887. 
Lyons Mussina, elected in 1890. 
Andrew C. Kissell, elected in 1890. 
John F. Brosius, elected in 1890. 



CORONERS. 



James Carskaddon, elected m 1 839. 

David R. Porter, elected in 1841. 

Joseph T. Hunt, elected in 1842. 

John C. King, elected in 1845. 

Robert Irwin, elected in 1846. 

Joseph Brownlee, elected in 1847. 

David Allen, elected in 1848. 

G. W. Sour, elected in 185 I. 

Dr. Gorgas, elected 1854. 

William E. Carskaddon, elected in 1856. 

Charles B. Langdon, elected in 1857. 

Dr. Richard Armstrong, elected in 1861. 

J. J. Lanks, elected in 1862. 

John Bridgens, elected in 1864 

John J. Keller, "elected in 1867. 

Ira D. Canfield, elected in 1868. 

George Y. Beatty, elected in 1871. 

Dr. A. Prieson, elected in 1873. 

Dr. John S. Mader, served from 1876 to 1891. 

Dr. Charles Fullmer, elected in 1891. 




HON. dflS. W. CRAWFORD, 



North Bend, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 3 1 

COUNTY AUDITORS. 

Joseph F. Quay, elected in 1839. 

Cephas Batcheler. elected in 1839. 

John H. Chatham, elected in 1839. 

John H. Chatham, elected in 1840. 

William Dunn, elected in 1841. 

George Walker, elected in 1842. 

William A. Wycoff, elected in 1843. 

Hugh White, Jr., elected in 1844. 

James Shaffer, Jr., elected in 1845. 

John Graffius, elected in 1846. 

Isaac Ramage, elected in 1847. 

Samuel Barnes, elected in 1848. 

George Hartman, elected in 1849. 

G. W. Halenbake, elected for three years in 1850. 

John L. Eckel, elected in 1S51. 

Nathanael Hanna, elected in 1852. 

Joseph Milliken, elected in 1853. 

C. C. McClelland, elected in 1855. 

William Dunn, elected in 1856. 

John W. Smith, elected in 1857. 

John Dornblazer, elected in 1858. 

Joseph H. Rich, elected in 1859. 

R. Kleckner, elected in i860. 

Nathanael Hanna, elected in i86t. 

G. A. Achenbach, elected in 1862. 

James R. Conley, elected for three years in 1S63. 

Benjamin Wheaton, elected for three years in 1863. 

A. McCloskey, elected in 1864. 

G. A. Achenbach, elected in 1865. 

George J. F. Ramm, elected in 1866. 

David Mapes, elected in 1867. 

George A. Achenbach, elected in 1868. 

George J. F. Ramm, elected in 1869.' 

Jacob A. Bitner, elected in 1870. 

William A. Cook, elected in 1871. 

W. H. Clough, elected in 1872. 



32 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

J. H. Chatham, elected in 1873. 
John P. Anthony, elected in 1874. 
John H. Chatham, elected in 1875. 
D. M. Morris, elected in 1875. 
W. T. Young, elected in 1881. 
Levi R. Paup, elected in 1881. 
William A. White, elected in 1881. 
Levi R. Paup, elected in 1884. 
W. F. Young, elected in 1884. 
Samuel Stamm, elected in 1884. 
William F. Moyer, elected in 1887. 
John N. Bittner, elected in 1887. 
Samuel Stamm, elected in 1887. 
William F. Moyer, elected in 1890. 
Harry L Rridgens, elected in 1890. 
John McGhee, elected in 1890. 



COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. 

R. Coates Allison, A. M. Taylor, H. L. Dieffenbach, A. K. 
Brown, Jesse H. Berry, J. N. Welliver, W. S. Snoddy, 
Daniel Herr, A. H. Strayer. A. D. Rowc, A- N. Raub, M. 
W. Herr, T. R. McGhee, I. L. McCloskey and D. M. Brun- 
gard. 



POPULATION OF COUNTY. 

AccordinL,^ to the first census, taken after the organization 
of the county, the entire population amounted to only 
8,323. In 1850 it had increased to 11,207. I" ^^^^ to 
17,723. Ten years later it stood at 23,211. In 1880 the 
number was 26,278, and at the last census, taken in 1890, 
the population had increased to 28,685. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 33 

PRESENT COUNTY OFFICIALS. 

The present county officers are Hon. Charles A. Mayer, 
President Judge ; Hon. James W. Crawford and Hon. 
James W. Clark, Associate Judges; J. Irwin Hagerman, 
Official Stenographer; Hon. J. C. Quiggle, Representative; 
John F. Brown, Prothonotary; A. S. Grow, Register and 
Recorder; Henry T. Jarrett, Deputy Register and Re- 
corder; S. Woods Caldwell, Treasurer; W. M. Ever- 
hart, Sheriff; John F. Brosius, A. H. Kissel and Lyons 
Mussina, Commissioners; Alexander Flanigan and Samuel 
Fulton, Jury Commissioners; William F. Moyer, Harry L. 
Bridgens and John McGhee, Auditors; James A. Wensel, 
Deputy Treasurer; D. I. McNaul, Deputy Sheriff; Joha C. 
Clark, Deputy Prothonotary; E. S. McNaul, Commis- 
sioners' Clerk. 



CLINTON COUNTY FISH AND GAME PRO- 
TECTIVE ASSOCIATION. 

The Clinton County Fish and Game Protective Asso- 
ciation was organized in Lock Haven at the office of Dr. J. 
H. Hayes, February 19th, 1892, with the following officers: 
Dr. J. H. Hayes, President; Dr. W. J. Shoemaker, Vice- 
President; J. F. Brown, Secretary; G. L. Morlock, Treas- 
urer; H. T. Harvey, Solicitor. 

Board of Managers — L. M. Morrison, Moore Frede- 
ricks, Charles J. Wait, E. J. Israel and Charles Keiger, 
Lock Haven; J. V. Quiggle, Pine Station; Charles H. 
Rich, Richville; R. W. A. Jamison, Jamison's Mills; 
Nicholas Watt, Hamm.ersley Forks; A. S. Furst, Cedar 
Springs; Charles Sigmund, Sr., Salona; H. G. Holmes, 
North Bend; C. K. Soher, Glen Union; Harvey Kleckner, 
Logan Mills; Wallace Gakle, Keating. 

The association has a membership of sevent^'^-five, and 
meets the first Tuesday of each month at the office of Dr- 
J. H. Hayes, on Water street, Lock Haven, Pa. 

3 



34 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

CLINTON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

The Clinton County Medical Society was organized June 
12th, 1888, with the following named persons as officers: 
Dr. J. M. Dum, President; Dr. R. B. Watson, Vice-Pres- 
ident; Dr. F. P. Ball, Secretary; L. M. Holloway, Treas- 
urer; Dr. W. J. Shoemaker, J. E. Tibbens and A. G. Walls, 
Censors. 

Present Officers — Dr. W. J. Shoemaker, President; 
Dr. A. J. Stokes, Vice-President; Dr. H. C. Lichtenthaler, 
Secretary; Dr. F. P. Ball, Treasurer; Dr. J. H. Hayes, Dr. 
R. Armstrong and Dr. R. B. Watson, Censors. 

The Clinton County Medical Society meets the second 
Tuesday of each month in the office of Dr. J. H. Hayes, on 
Water street, Lock Haven, Pa. The society has nineteen 
members. 



POSTOFFICES OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Beech Creek, Bitumen, Boonville, Caldwell, Carroll, 
Cedar Springs, Chatham Run, Clintondale, Farrandsville, 
Flemington, Glen Union, Greenburr, Hammersley's Forks, 
Haneyville, Hyner, Island, Keating, Lamar, Lock Haven, 
Logan Mills, Loganton, McElhattan,Mackeyville,Mill Hall, 
Parvin, Pine Station, Rauchtown, Renovo, Rosecrans, Rote, 
Salona, Shintown, Tylersville, Westport and Wistar. 



CLINTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

CHnton County Agricultural Society was organized 
March 12th, 1881. 

Its first officers were Joel A. Herr, President; W. S. 
Clawater, Secretary; S. D. Ball, Treasurer. 

The present officers are Joel A. Herr, Cedar Springs, 
President; William Hayes, Mackeyville, Secretary; W. H. 
Dornblaser, Lamar, Treasurer. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 35 

POMONA GRANGE, No. 29, P. OF H. 
Pomona Grange No. 29, P. of H., was organized in 1875. 

The present officers are John McNaul, Salona, Master; 

C. J. Wasson, Cedar Springs, Lecturer; David Mapes, 

Beech Creek, Secretary; James Taylor, Mackeyville, 
Treasurer. 



GEOLOGY OF CLINTON COUNTY. 



By Prof. Isaac A. Harvey, A. M. Ph. D. 



GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE. 

ALL the strata which form the geological structure of 
Clinton county, so far as they are exposed or accessible 
to investigation, are included in the Paleozoic time, one of the 
four divisions of geological time, to wit: Archaean, Paleo- 
zoic, Mesozoic and Ccnozoic. 

The lowest epoch of the Paleozoic time is the Acadian, 
the next, the Potsdam sandstone, and the highest is the 
Permian epoch. 

The general divisions of the Paleozoic column or time 
are the Silurian, or age of inverebrates, the Devonian, or 
age of fishes, and the Carboniferous, or age of coal plants, 
and these are sub-divided into their several periods and 
epochs. 

The Acadian and Potsdam epochs nowhere come to the 
surface in this county, but the next strata above, viz : The 
limestones of the Trenton, Chazy and Calciferous epochs, 
which are exposed in part in Nippenose, Nittany and Sugar 
Valleys, are the lowest visible strata in the county. 

The Pennsylvania second Geological Survey have adopted 
and used a Paleozoic column, as follows : The Potsdam S. 
S. is No. I, the Trenton, Chazy and Calciferous limestones, 
No. 2, the Hudson river and Utica shales. No. 3, the Oneida 
and Medina S. S-, No. 4, the Clinton shales and Niagara 
limestone, No. 5, the Lower Helderberg limestone, No. 6, 
the Oriskany S. S., No. 7, the Chemung, Portage, Hamil- 
ton, Marcellus and Upper Helderberg epochs. No. 8, the 
Catskill "old red" S. S., No. 9, the Pocono S. S., No. 10, 
the Mauch Chunk red shale, No. 11, the Conglomerate 




PROF. ISAAC R. HflRYEY, Pli. D. 



Geologist, Beech Creek, Pa, 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 37 

rock, No. 12, the Lower Productive Coal Measures, No. 
13, the Lower Barren Measures, No. 14, the Upper Pro- 
ductive Coal Measures, No. 15, the Upper Barren Meas- 
ures, No. 16, and the Permian epoch. No. 17. The ex- 
posures in this county, as already intimated, include the 
epochs from No. 2 to No. 13 — the limestones of the valleys 
to the "Lower Productive Coal Measures." 

Through the middle of Nittany Valley extends an anti- 
clinal axis, from which the limestone of No. 2 dips north- 
west, under the Bald Eagle mountains, and never comes to 
the surface again in Pennsylvania. To the southeast the 
limestone dips under the Sugar Valley mountain, and thence 
rises to the surface in Sugar Valley, whence it dips under 
the BrushValley mountain to re-appear again farther south- 
east. The Bald Eagle mountain is formed by the Hudson 
river and Utica shales, the Medina Southeast and the 
Clinton shales, Nos. 3, 4 and 5, all of which dip with No. 
2, and are under the Bald Eagle creek. Thence, as we ap- 
proach the coal regions to the northwest, the other mem- 
bers or groups of the Paleozoic section come in their order 
of super-position, the rapid dip to the northwest dimin- 
ishing, from 80° at the Bald Eagle mountain, to 5° or 6° 
in the coal measures. When we reach the hills containing 
the coal, the limestone measures of Nittany Valley are from 
12,000 to 15,000 feet beneath us, and hence the Bald Eagle 
mountain should be at least two miles high to include any 
coal beds of value ; and all the epochs from No. 2 to No. 
13 should be found in their order before reaching the coal. 

The geological height and vertical height must not be 
confused; for the rapid dip of the measures carries the Nos. 
4 and 5 of the Bald Eagle mountain top very far beneath the 
hills containing the coal beds, say from 10,000 to 12,000 
feet ; although the Bald Eagle mountain is as high as tRe 
coal beds in Clinton county. 

COAL BEDS. 

The entire coal areas of Clinton county ai^ found in the 
following localities : In the Beech Creek and Tangascootac 



38 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

basin, extending into the Farrandsville and Queen's Run 
regions, and the Karthaus-Keating basin, extending from 
the Keating townships, northeast to theWestport basin, and 
thence into the northern portion of Leidy and Chapman 
townships, in which some small detached areas of the 
lowest coal beds are in the hilltops. All the coal in these 
basins is bituminous; that is, containing from 18 to 30 per 
cent, of volatile matter, and 58 or 60 to 70 per cent, of fixed 
carbon. Of course there are some slight variations from 
this quality; as in the Queen's Run coal, which yielded 73 
to 75 per cent, of fixed carbon, and 15 to 20 per cent, of 
volatile matter, indicating a coal approaching semi-bitumi- 
nous in quality. 

The Conglomerate rock is the base of the valuable or 
workable coal beds, although some intra-conglomerate 
seams enlarge locally to a workable thickness, and, in rare 
instances, the Pocono S. S., No. 10, Subcarboniferous, has 
thin seams of coal, but only at one place, Tipton Station, 
Blair county, has any coal been mined with profit from this 
horizon. 

Sporadic deposits of carbonaceous matter, resembling 
coal, occur in some of the lower measures, but never any 
pure coal in workable shape. 

The marcellus shales have yielded 15 to 20 per cent, of 
combustible matter; but this is only one-fifth or one-sixth 
of the shales which yield it, and, hence, it is valueless. 

The Hudson river and Utica shales, of No. 3, out-crop at 
various places in Nippenose and Nittany Valleys beneath 
the sandstone of No. 4. These shales are oftentimes car- 
bonaceous, being of a dark brown, or even a black color, 
and they are frequently supposed to contain coal. 
^Much money has been imprudently expended in vain 
efforts to open coal in 'these shales and slates. The recent 
futile drilling operations in Nippenose Valley indicate how 
far people may be misled in this respect, and yet no advice 
from competent geologists would avail to prevent the use- 
less work and expense. A brief study of the geological 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 39 

structure of Pennsylvania, and particularly of Clinton county 
would have sufficed to teach those concerned that no coal 
could possibly be discovered in Nippenose Valley. The 
same conclusion will apply to Nittany Valley, where the 
slates and shales of the same quality and period appear in 
immense quantities. The discovery of anthracite, semi- 
anthracite or cannel coal cannot be expected in this county, 
and, therefore, all efforts to develop or find any coal beneath 
the conglomerate rock will never repay the time and 
money expended. 

VERTICAL SECTION OF COAL MEASURES. 

A complete section of the coal measures, in their best 
condition and greatest height in this county, includes eight 
coal beds, with various seams of fire-clay and limestone, and 
nests or local deposits of carbonate iron ore, as follows : 

Mahoning sandstone and shales. 

Coal, Bed E, Upper Freeport Dam, 

Fire clay floor, ----- 

Limestone, local bed, 

Sandstone, shales and slates, - - - 

Coal, Bed D, Lower Freeport Dam, 

Moshannon, Karthaus and Reynolds- 

ville coal, ------ 

Fire clay floor, - - - - - 

Limestone, in some places, - - - 
Shales and slates, - - - - - 

Coal, Bed C, Upper Kittanning, Snow 

Shoe D, - ----- 

Fire clay floor, ----- 

Limestone, Johnstown cement, - - - 
Sandstone and shales, - - - - 

Coal, Bed C, Middle Kittanning, ^ 
Fire clay floor, - - - - - 

Shaley S. S. and slates, - - - - 

Coal, Bed B, Lower Kittanning, 
Fire clay floor, - - - - 



25' 


to 


40' 


2' 


to 


4)4' 


2' 


to 


3' 


2' 


to 


4' 


30' 


to 


40' 


3' 


to 


6' 


2' 


to 


3' 


2' 


to 


4' 


25' 


to 


40' 


2>^' 


to 


4' 


2' 


to 


3' 


2' 


to 


5' 


20' 


to 


30' 


I' 


to 


4' 


2' 


to 


4' 


20' 


to 


25' 


2>^' 


' to 


6' 


3' 


to 


8' 



25' 


to 


40' 


l' 


to 


3' 


2' 


to 


3' 


20' 


to 


25' 


l' 


to 


4' 


2' 


to 


4' 


20' 


to 


40' 



40 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Shales and slates, sometimes including 

nodules of carbonate iron ore in seams 

of one, two or three feet, called Clarion 

ore, with seam of feniferous limestone 

i'to3', - 
Coal, Bed A, Clarion, 
Fire clay floor, _ _ - - - 
Sandstone and shales. 
Coal, Bed A, Brookeville, 
Fire clay floor, - - - - - 
Sandstone, - - - - - 
Fire clay. Woodland, Blue ball, Queen's 

Run, Farrandsville, &c., &c., - - 3' to 20' 

Sandstone and shales, top bench of con- 
glomerate rock, - - - - - 30' to 60' 
Coal, Mt. Savage, Mercer, Intra-conglom- 

erate bed, - - - - - l' to 3' 

Conglomerate rock, No. 12 with two or 

three thin coals, - - - - - 100' to 150' 

DESCRIPTION OF COAL BEDS. 

The upper coal, bed E, called the Upper Freeport, has a 
very small area, being confined to West Keating township, 
where it does not include more than 300 acres, mostly in 
detached hilltops of a few acres each. Hence this coal is 
of small importance in this county, although some portions 
of its area can be profitably mined in connection with the 
lower beds. Its thickness is from two to four and a half 
feet, and the amount of coal contained in it is from 5,000 to 
6,000 tons per acre, or 1,500,000 tons in its entire area. 
Not more than 1,000,000 tons of coal could be recovered or 
utilized. The coal is of good quality, and in some Western 
counties coal E is extensive and important. 

Bed D, the Lower Freeport coal, is widely known as the 
Moshannon, Karthaus and Reynoldsville bed, being mined 
also in many other regions. Being 40 feet lower in the 
section than Bed E, it has a much larger extent. This coal 
is found only in East and West Keating townships, and its 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 4I 

area is probably from 1,000 to 1,500 acres, two-thirds of 
which are in West Keating township. The coal of this bed 
is popular among operators and dealers, by reason of 
its superior quality and thickness, and it supplies most of 
the coal now mined in Clearfield county for shipment over 
the Tyrone and Clearfield railroad and the Beech Creek 
railroad. It is likewise highly valued in the Karthaus 
region, and in Jefferson and other counties. The 1,000 to 
1,500 acres contain 6,000 to 7,000 tons of coal per acre, and 
the whole amount of coal in this bed is from 7,500,000 to 
8,000,000 tons. Probably 5,000,000 or 6,000,000 tons 
would be the output of coal by careful mining. 

Bed C, the Upper Kittanning or Snow Shoe Bed D, has 
an area of 3,000 to 3,500 acres, mostly in East and West 
Keating townships, a small and unimportant acreage being 
in Noyes township, in the Westport basin. With a thick- 
ness of 2)/^ to 4 feet, this coal contains 5,000 tons of coal 
per acre. Its area contains 15,000,000 to 18,000,000 tons, 
of which amount perhaps 10,000,000 to 12,000,000 tons can 
be utilized. The coal compares favorably with that of Bed 
D, and at many places in the Keating townships it can be 
mined with profit. In the Snow Shoe basin this bed fur- 
nishes a large quantity of coal for Eastern markets, and it 
is mined in many other regions for local or general use. 

Bed C, the Middle Kittanning coal, underlies from 5,000 
to 6,000 acres, more than three-fourths of this acreage being 
in the Keating townships, a small area in the Westport 
basin, and a few hundred acres in the Beech Creek and 
Tangascootac regions. Coal C is rarely mined for Eastern 
trade, but it supplies domestic fuel in many places. This 
bed is supposed to be identical with the cannel coal bed of 
West Virginia and Kentucky. Much of its area is unreli- 
able and faulty, but in some localities it yields coal in good 
shape and condition. Its thickness ranges from i to 4 feet, 
and, as it has an average of 3,500 tons of coal per acre, the 
quantity of coal in this bed is from 18,000,000 to 20,000,000 
tons. Only about one-half the amount is accessible for 
mining or use. 



42 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Bed B, the Lower Kittanning coal, is largely mined at 
Blossburg, Osceola, Coal Port and many other places. It 
has been mined with much success in many counties 
which do not contain Bed D. Its extent in this county is 
6,000 to 8,000 acres in the Keating townships, 2,500 acres 
in the Westport basin, 500 to 600 acres along Beech Creek, 
600, 800 or possibly 1,000 acres in the Tangascootac basin, 
and 500 to 1,000 acres in various isolated areas in other 
townships; or a total extent of about 12,000 acres. The 
thickness of Bed B varies from 2}^ to 6 feet, the latter 
thickness being developed in the Westport basin. Hence 
it may be fairly estimated to contain 6,000 tons of coal per 
acre, or 70,000,000 tons in its whole extent. About 50,000.- 
000 tons of coal can be mined from this bed, the other 
20,000,000 tons being in outcrops, remote places and inac- 
cessible areas. 

Bed A', the Clarion coal, is usually too thin to be of 
economic value. Therefore, while its area is from 15,000 to 
20,000 acres, a very sniall part of this acreage can be mined 
with any advantage. It enlarges, locally, to 3 or 3 ^ feet, and 
yields good coal. Assuming that one-fifth of its extent is 
minable, I may compute the workable coal in this bed to be 
from 12,000,000 to 15,000,000 tons, nearly all of which is 
in the Keating townships, with a small workable area in 
the Westport basin. Elsewhere in this county the Clarion 
coal is too thin to be of any value. 

Bed A, the Brookville coal, is only mined for local use 
in the state, for the reason that it is either beneath the coal 
railroads, and the other coal beds are more desirable, or it 
is too impure in many mining regions to be of much prac- 
tical value. However, a considerable area of coal A in 
our county may become valuable, as the coal is of better 
form and quality here than it is farther west. The extent 
of this coal is about 20,000 acres — 15,000 in the Keating 
townships and 5,000 in the other coal regions named. The 
quantity of coal per acre in this bed is from 3,000 to 4,000 
tons, and the entire amount may be stated as 65,000,000 to 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 



43 



70,000,000 tons. One-half of the entire amount can be 
mined; but the prospective value of Bed A is good, but it 
is not yet much in demand for investment and mining. 
This coal is valuable in Centre county, although it is not 
mined for market. 

The Mount Savage, or Mercer coal, is an inter-conglom- 
erate bed, being beneath the Homewood sandstone, the 
upper bench of the conglomerate rock. With an area of 
30,000 acres, it can hardly be said to have any importance. 
However, some portions of its extent will yield sufficient 
coal per acre, and of such quality, that it may sometime 
acquire economic value. This bed enlarges to 3 feet in 
some parts of the Keating basin. The whole amount of 
coal in minable shape may be estimated at 30,000,000 tons, 
contained in selected areas of 5,000 or 6,000 acres from its 
entire 30,000 acres. 

SUMMARY OF COAL BEDS. 

In a brief summary of the coal in Clinton county we 

have : 

Minitmm. Maximiim. 

1,500,000 to 2,000,000 tons 

7,500,000 to 8,000,000 " 

- 15,000,000 to 18,000,000 " 
1 8,000,000 to 20,000,000 " 

- 70,000,000 to 75,000,000 " 
15,000,000 to 18,000,000 " 

- 65,000,000 to 70,000,000 " 
25,000,000 to 30,000,000 " 



In Bed E, 

" D, - - - 

'• c, 

" C, - - - 
" B, - - 

" A', - - - 

"A, - - 
M't Savage, 

Total,- - - - 217,000,000 to 240,000,000 " 

Making a more general estimate from these figures, we 
have from 225 to 240 million tons of coal in beds of work- 
able thickness, and such areas of thin seams as enlarge 
locally to a minable size, assuming 3 feet as the minimum. 
Assigning the amount proportionately to the respective 
basins we have : 

In the Keating basin or townships, 135,000,000 to 150,- 



44 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

000,000 ; in the West Port basin, 40,000,000 tons ; in the 
Beech Creek, Tangascootac and Queen's Run basins and 
other outlying areas, 50,000,000 tons. Of the 225 to 240 
million tons of coal in this county hardly more than two- 
thirds can be mined for railroad transportation, and the 
branch railroads, which will make this coal accessible, are 
yet to be constructed. The amount of coal in the Beech 
Creek region of Clinton county only includes a small por- 
tion of the Beech Creek basin proper, as the workable 
coal lies mostly in Centre county, and only extends a short 
distance into this county. The Beech Creek basin is an 
extension northeastward of the Snow Shoe basin. 

The amount of coal seems to be large, but there are 
single townships in Clearfield county which have as much 
coal as the above estimate for Clinton county. Yet there 
is a large quantity of good coal in our county, and much 
of it will be utilized ere many years. 

FIRE CLAY. 

Each coal seam is underlaid by fire clay, mostly, how- 
ever, of inferior quality ; but in some places the clay under 
Beds B and C is good, and has been worked with advantage. 

In the coal measures occurs the bed of fire clay which is 
valuable and important in many counties, and mined exten- 
sively at Sandy Ridge, Blue Ball, Wallaceton, Philipsburg 
and Woodland, in Clearfield and Centre counties, at Barr 
Station and Bennezette, in Elk county, at Farrandsville and 
Queen's Run, in Clinton county, and in many other local- 
ities. 

This bed of fire clay underlies coal Bed A by an interval 
ranging- from 3 to 40 feet. In this county the fire clay has 
an area larger than coal A, and it probably extends through 
25,000 acres of territory. Its thickness varies from 3 to 20 
feet, the latter section having been obtained in the Westport 
coal basin. Hence there are at least 250,000,000 or 300,- 
000,000 tons of the fire clay in our coal regions, besides 
which, the under clay of the respective coal beds is some- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 45 

times of good quality; notably that of Bed B, which has 
been mined in the Queen's Run region, yielding a soft clay. 

The impression that the soft clay and hard clay are of 
distinct qualities is erroneous. All fire clay was originally 
soft, and the clay of this bed, as developed at Farrandsville 
and Queen's Run, is variable in its character from one point 
to another, some openings showing more or less soft or 
plastic clay mixed with hard clay ; other openings showing 
either hard or soft clay, according to the depth of the clay 
from the surface and the quality and compactness of the 
roof and cover. So, in many places, the fire clay is soft 
at outcrop, but it becomes firmer under cover, till it acquires 
the hardness of rock, and can only be mined by blasting. 
In some instances the clay may be soft under considerable 
areas, but, if such be the case, the roof and cover are too 
thin to protect the clay from the softening effects of water 
and exposure to the atmosphere. It must be admitted, also, 
that the chemical composition of soft clay is slightly dif- 
ferent from that of hard day; but the variance can be ex- 
plained as the effect of surface influences and exposure. In 
exploring for good fire clay, let it be remembered that hard 
clay, so much preferred, only shows itself on or near the 
surface in rare instances, and, as a rule, the bed has a soft 
outcrop. Many persons have found the plastic clay of the 
important bed on the surface, and yet discarded it because 
the outcrop was not hard. If they had developed the clay 
under good cover, they would have found the bed which 
they were seeking. 

Good results have been obtained relative to the quality 
of the fire clay in the Keating, Tangascootac and Beech 
Creek regions, and in the Westport basin, and, in the 
Queen's Run and Farrandsville regions the clay has been 
well developed and tested, and its great quantity and excel- 
lent quality are assured. 

Doubtless, further investigation will show as good results 
from the fire clay in the other coal regions of our county. 
Fortunately, a large amount of clay in these basins is near 



46 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the railroad lines, having, withal, a decided advantage of 
accessibility and convenience to transportation and market, 
over the fire clay operators in Clearfield and Centre 
counties. 

IRON ORE. 

In the coal measures are found local nests of nodules of 
Gray Carbonate iron ore or Siderite Spathic ore, but these 
deposits are seldom of any value, being limited to a small 
area and not containing sufficient metallic iron to compete 
with the richer ores of our limestone valleys. These nod- 
ular ores are often indicated by Brown Hematite or bog ore 
outcrops, which contain a larger per cent, of iron than the 
nodular ore from which it is derived. When convenient 
for shipment or hauling to a furnace, these hematites and 
gray carbonate ores, being very free from phosphorus, are 
used for mixing with the limestone hematites. 

At the base of the conglomerate rock, and in the Mauch 
Chunk red shale. No. 11, occur similar carbonate iron ores 
with their bog ore (limonite) or brown hematite outcrops. 
In the Pocono sandstone. No. 10, no iron ore of value is 
likely to be discovered, but some brown hematite, bog or 
carbonate ore is occasionally noted in this epoch. 

The Catskill red sandstone, No. 9, the " old red sand- 
stone," of Hugh Miller, contains some thin seams of brown 
hematite and local carbonate ore, and in Perry county thin 
layers of red hematite have been observed in this group. 
There is not sufficient prospect of valuable iron ore in this 
red shale to encourage much investigation. In the Che- 
mung, Portage, Genessee, Hamilton, Marcellus and Upper 
Helderburg, No. 8, iron ore occurs at various horizons' 
mostly, however, of little or no economical importance. 

In some places the Chemung and Portage shales and 
sandstones contain limited scams of lean hematite or sandy 
iron ore. A fossil iron ore of some value has been observed 
in the Hamilton group in one or two places in Pennsyl- 
vania, and at the base of the Marcellus shales is an iron 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 4/ 

bearing horizon, usually of brown hematite, limonite or bog 
ore, and sometimes of a honey comb or pipe form. 

The Oriskany sandstone, No. 7, is absent in many por- 
tions of this county, and very thin where exposed, having 
no iron ore horizon, as far as can be discovered. 

The Lower Helderberg, No. 6, affords some good brown 
hematite ore in several localities in Pennsylvania, notably 
in Blair county, and this epoch is represented by benches 
of limestone along Bald Eagle Valley, in our county- 
Some indications of iron ore have been observed in these 
benches, but no develpment of value has been made. 

The Fossil ore and Block ore of Clinton shales, No. 5, 
have importance in various counties, and the ores used to 
supply the Mill Hall furnace were mined from beds in the 
shales of this period. Some ore was also obtained from 
No. 2, limestone, to supply this furnace. What value these 
ores may have in the future will depend on their further 
development, size, quality and demand ; for the seams, as 
far as developed, are too thin and unreliable to be mined 
in competition with the richer and more abundant ores of 
the valley limestones of No. 2. 

The Oneida and Medina sandstone, No. 4, sometimes 
shows surface or "float" ore, but seldom contains ore which 
could be mined with profit. 

The Hudson river and the Utica shales. No. 3, will 
hardly encourage any inspection for iron ore, although, like 
every other group or number of our Paleozoic column, local 
nests of iron ore, either bog or hematite, may occur in these 
shales. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT IRON ORE IN CLINTON COUNTY. 

In the limestone strata, No. 2, of our Nippeno.se, Nittany 
and Sugar valleys, are the most important iron ores of 
Clinton county. While some of the epochs above described 
may supply ore of value, yet it is not likely that any beds 
of ore as rich, large and valuable as the brown hematite of 
our valleys will ever be discovered. 



48 PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Much is yet to be done in the development of the ores, 
which consist of pipe ore, kidney or lump ore, and wash 
ore, filling caverns or fissures in the limestone, deposited 
on the surface, or in persistent seams in the rock; the 
latter, by reason of their persistency, being the most im- 
portant. A demand for ore will induce further explora- 
tion and prospecting, and we can reasonably hope or ex- 
pect that many of our valley farms will acquire much 
additional value for the iron ore which they contain. The 
magnetic and red hematite or specular iron ores belong to 
the Azoic rocks; that is, the Archoean regions, where the 
rocks are metamosphic. The valuable iron ranges which 
yield these ores are of an age preceding our Palezoic sec- 
tion. Thus the immense beds of ores in Wisconsin, Mich- 
igan, Missouri and other states are in Azoic rocks. The 
same is true of the magnetic ores of New Jersey and 
Southern Pennsylvania; but the Silurian and Devonian 
strata of the Palezoic formations, in rare instances, contain 
magnetic ore, and some is claimed in later rocks — that is, 
of the Mesozoic epochs or formations. 

The Azoic rocks nowhere appear in Clinton county, being 
far beneath the limestones. No. 2, and, therefore, it seems 
futile to explore for these ores in formations which have 
never been known to afford them in paying quantity, and 
any magnetic or red hematite iron ore that may occur in 
the No. 2 limestones is likely to be in the lower layers of 
the group and, hence, not accessible. 

LEAD AND ZINC. 

The reports of the finding of stray pieces of lead, near 
Salona, are credible, inasmuch as the limestone, thereabouts, 
may contain lead or zinc, and the discovery of these metals 
in that vicinity is not impossible. 

SILVER AND GOLD. 

Despite the various stories and startling assertions of the 
presence of gold and silver quartz in different townships, I 
may venture the opinion that about all the available gold 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 49 

and silver in Clinton county will be found in the vaults of 
our banks, and distributed throuL^hout the county in the 
shape of coin, jewelry, and gold and silverware. 

TIN AND NICKEL. 

Any effort to discover tin or nickel would seem to be 
useless, as no trace or evidence of either metal has been 
found in our county. 

COAL OIL. 

It cannot be asserted, with any degree of certainty, 
whether there is valuable petroleum or not in the rocks of 
Clinton county. Only experimental drilling will answer 
this question. 

Some prospectors encourage the idea that the rocks of 
this county contain valuable oil. It seems, however, that 
our county is too far east to have much oil, as the forma- 
tions are too much broken, disturbed and exposed. As 
the conditions are not favorable for oil, it is doubtful 
whether the results obtained by drilling would repay the 
expense and effort. 

GAS. 

Gas may occur at almost any horizon, often being found 
with the oil, beneath the oil and at various points where 
there are no oil wells or prospects of oil. Gas has flown 
from drill holes and wells which penetrated beneath the oil 
horizons, and much gas is generated or produced in the 
carbonaceous shales and slates, whether the product of sea 
weeds, ancient plant life or marine animals and fishes, or 
all. Gas may thus come from many horizons which could 
not produce oil in flowing or paying quantity, or where the 
shales have been saturated with oil which cannot be col- 
lected or utilized. 

If I were asked whether there is any gas in Clinton 
county, I would say, that depends on an investigation by 
drilling. But any such experimentation should be done 
carefully and advisedly, for the prospects of finding good 
combustible gas in the rocks of Clinton county are vague, 
uncertain and not encouraging. 

i 



50 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LIMESTONE. 

The various limestone strata are included in No. 2, the 
valley limestones; No. 5, Niagara limestone; No. 6, Lower 
Helderberg limestone, outcropping along Bald Eagle valley ; 
some impure seams in the Chemung, Portage and Marcellus 
of No. 8; also in the Pocono, No. 10; and in the coal 
measures occur two or three seams of limestone which ac- 
company the coal beds. The purest limestone is that of 
No. 2, and in places in this same formation or groups s'hould 
be found the Cement limestone, and the Magnesian lime- 
stone, the latter being dolomitic. Silica and alumina, in 
quantity respectively, ranging from 8 to 15 per cent., and 
combined with the lime, produce a good hydraulic cement. 
The Magnesian limestone, which isusually very abundant, 
contains from 20 to 40 per cent, of carbonate of magnesia, 
50 to 70 per cent, of carbonate of lime, with a small per 
cent, of iron, silica, &c. The Crystalline limestone, or marble, 
has not been found in good condition in this county, and it 
is not probable that good statuary marble will be dis- 
covered; as the limestone in our valleys does not seem to 
have been subjected to the metamorphic action of heat, 
which alone would have produced marble from the original 
or fossil limestone. Some limestone of a variegated structure 
or appearance may be obtained that will be suitable for a 
very cheap grade of marble, but that is doubtful. 

SOIL. 

The arable soil of Clinton county is distributed as fol- 
lows: 

The limestone soil of Nippenose, Sugar and Nittany 

valleys; the alluvial and partly limestone soil of Bald Eagle 

valley; the red shale lands along the river, and the north 

side of Bald Eagle valley; the detached and isolated areas 

on the mountains and hills, and the shale and slate lands of 

the coal measures. 

I 

The erosion and detritus of the Medina and Oneida sand- 
stone, No. 4, of the Hudson river and Utica shales, No. 3, 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 5 1 

and of the limestone of No. 2, have produced the soil of our 
valleys between the mountains; while the Clinton shales, 
the Helderberg limestone, the Marcellus shales, Oriskany 
sandstone and the Catskill red sandstone, Nos. 5,6, 7, 8 
and 9, have formed the soil of Bald Eagle valley. The de- 
tritus and alluvium from formations Nos. 7 to 13, inclusive, 
— the Chemung to the coal measures — have made the 
bottom lands along the river. 

In the coal regions the shales and slates, with some sand- 
stone and a slight admixture of fire clay and limestone, pro- 
duce the soil, and, as the Conglomerate rock or Millstone 
grit is the base of the coal sections, the arable area of sur- 
face is almost accurately defined by the extent of the coal 
beds ; that is, the Conglomerate rock comes to the surface 
to cut off or limit the coal beds, and, in most places, the 
tillable soil. 

CONCLUSION. 

In a brief resume, permit me to say that the apparent 
mineral resources of our county are the coal, fire clay and 
iron ores, as described, with some prospect of the discovery 
of zinc and lead with the limestone of No. 2. How often 
we hear the expression, "These mountains and hills must 
contain something of value, and there should be unknown 
and undeveloped minerals in immense quantities in these 
strata and rocks." 

Now, if geology teaches anything, it teaches that not all 
things were made for utility, and it unites with the other 
sciences to testify that the beauties of the earth are to be 
studied as well as its economic products; that the true, the 
beautiful and the good, as well as the useful, were in the 
Divine mind when Cosmos was evoked out of Chaos, and 
that much has been formed and must be left to teach us 
and our posterity the greatness of God's purpose, and power 
and love; much that it will not become us to despoil, de- 
face or destroy. 

It was trite enough for one to have said that mountains 
were made for fools to look at; implying that only fools 



52 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

would wonder about or desire the imaginary wealth con- 
tained therein. Would it not have been equally trite and 
pertinent to have said again? "The same mountains are 
for wise men to admire and venerate." 

The mountains of Pennsylvania and of our own county 
are best appreciated by those who have lived near them, 
and have since taken up their abode in the plains of the 
West. It hardly occurs to us, that, in the order of events, 
these mountains with their scenery, witnesses, as they are, 
of the grandeur of nature and the goodness of their Creator, 
shall be marred, disfigured or thrown down by men in their 
mercenary search for riches. All the impressive majesty 
of this world is in its geological aspects, and I often wonder 
why the science is not more engaging to all classes of 
people, and why they fail to see or understand its attrac- 
tiveness; for it is the noblest of all the natural sciences, 
and its testimonies are the most convincing and elevating of 
all that is or has been uninspired — elevating to the spirit 
and mind of man. In connection with revelation it affords 
the noblest evidences of God's mercy and grace to us ward, 
and, of all sciences, it is the best adjunct to the Sciptures. 
It is hard for a man to be an atheist or an infidel while 
studying geology or engaged in it as an active pursuit. If 
words fail to convince men, if revelation would not impress 
nor exhortation persuade them, then, standing in the pres- 
ence of the beauty, majesty and grandeur of some of nature's 
noblest handiwork, such as Yosemite, speaking so much 
more than words can convey of Divine architecture and 
Divine power, one would think that all would be so im- 
pressed and wonder-stricken, that they would feel impelled 
to kneel in awe and reverence, and, with voices full of de- 
votion and thanksgiving, make that beautiful valley of Mari- 
posa a vast amphitheatre of worship and of praise. 




X. B. RINGLER, 

Lock Haven, Pa. 



TOWNSHIPS OF CLINTON COUNTY. 



ALLISON TOWNSHIP. 

ALLISON township was one of the original twelve town- 
ships of Clinton county. It was named in honor of Rev. 
Francis Allison, D. D. 

The township, as first erected, was bounded on the north 
by Woodward and Dunnstable, on the east by Wayne, on 
the south by Lamar and Bald Eagle, and on the west by 
Bald Eagle township. When Lock Haven was incor- 
porated as a city, March 28th, 1870, the limits of the city 
took in Flemington borough and a considerable part of 
Allison township. 

Section 3, of the same act, put that part of Allison town- 
ship, not included within the boundaries of Lock Haven, 
into Lamar township, thus blotting from the county map 
the township of Allison. 

In 1872 an act was past, repealing section 3 of the act of 
1870, annexing the remaining part to Lamar, and this part, 
which formed a neck between Lock Haven and Lamar 
township, was in 1873 added to Dunnstable township, where 
it remained as a part of the said township until 1877, when 
it and other parts of Dunnstable were erected into Cas- 
tanea. 

July 15th, 1878, the Court re-erected Allison township, 
and gave it political life and a place on the county map. It 
was to be composed of all that part of the original territory 
of Allison township, and the borough of Flemington, lying 
west and north of the west and north lines of the First, 
Second, Third and Fourth wards of Lock Haven. Thus 
the township lives, but is shorn of much of its original ter- 
ritory. Allison township is now bounded on the north by 
Woodward, the West Branch and Lock Haven city, on the 



54 PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

east by Castanea, on the west by Bald Eagle, on the south 
by Bald Eagle and Lamar townships. 

Among the early settlers were the Carskaddons and 
Patrick Moore, who came from Ireland before the Revo- 
lution, and Squire Devlin, who settled on what was after- 
wards known as the Hunt farm, the buildings of which, as 
before stated, stood near the site now occupied by the Eagle 
Hotel, on Bald Eagle street. The Logues were also among 
the early settlers. John Mader came to Allison township 
previous to 1800; he married Sarah Logue. James Cars- 
kaddon came to the section in 1794, and located on the 
spot where the venerable Joseph Bridgens now resides. 
The Bridgens' dwelling was erected on the same foundation 
built for the Carskaddon house, in 1795. 

James Welsh, who was born at Monseytown Bottoms in 
1802, was another pioneer resident of Allison township. 
He served nine years as county commissioner of Clinton 
county, and was for many years a pilot on the Susquehanna 
from Lock Haven to Tidewater. The bones of nearly all 
these pioneer settlers repose beneath the sod of Great 
Island cemetery. 

BALD EAGLE. 

Bald Eagle township was one of the twelve original 
townships, into which Clinton county was formed, when 
orcranized, in 1839. Since that time it has been dimin- 
ished in size by the forming of other townships, until it 
now contains but a small portion of its original territory. 
The township is now bounded on the north by Grugan 
and Colebrook, on the east by Allison and Lamar, on the 
south by Lamar and Beech Creek, and on the west by 
Beech Creek township. 

The first regular authorized settlement made in Bald 
Eagle township, under an actual government survey, was 
made soon after the survey of the officer's tract, along Bald 
Eagle creek, m 1769. 

The first settlers of the township were mostly from the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 55 

southeastern part of the State, several families coming from 
Lancaster county, and a number from Chester. Among 
the pioneers was William Reed, who settled in Plunket's 
Run, several miles back from the "flats." 

He was called "Hickory Reed," on account of his physi- 
cal toughness. He located about the year 1776. He was 
the grandfather of the venerable surveyor, James David, 
and great-grandfather of Flarius David, present county sur- 
veyor of Clinton county. 

The mineral wealth of Bald Eagle township is confined 
to the Tangascootac basin. Coal was discovered there in 
1826 by James David. 

The first school house in Beech Creek township was 
located on the left bank of Bald Eagle creek, a few rods 
above the bridge. A very short time after the erection of 
this house, a school was opened in the vicinity of Mill Hall, 
where the Beech Creek railroad station now stands, and two 
years later a school building was erected about half a mile 
east of Mr. Packer's residence, on the site now occupied by 
the Harleman house. In 1834 a school house was built in 
Mill Hall, the only collection of houses entitled to the 
name of village in the township. This house was located 
about the centre of the town, on or near the spot where the 
school house now stands. In 1848 a second school house 
was erected in Mill Hall, and two years later the village was 
incorporated as a borough. 

The first Sabbath school in the county was organized in 
Bald Eagle township by Joseph Bartles, in a building which 
stood just above where Mann's axe factory now stands. 

At the first election held in Bald Eagle township after the 
organization of Clinton county, the following officers were 
elected : 

J. M. Miller, Justice of the Peace; William Fisher, Con- 
stable; George Soder and William Huff, Supervisors; Levi 
Packer and George Williams, Overseers of the Poor; Ben- 
jamin Fredricks and David Logan, Auditors ; A. Harle- 



56 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

man, Assessor ; William Fearon and John Smith, Assistant 
Assessors ; Samuel McCormick, Asher Packer and George 
Dressier, School Directors; Thomas A. Smith, Judge of 
Elections ; William C. Sanderson and Samuel Hayes, In- 
spectors; George W. Fredricks and William Clark. Fence 
Viewers ; William L. Hoover, Township Clerk. 

At this time, March 20th, 1840, the population was 1,178, 
which included the present territory of Beech Creek town- 
ship, that township having been taken from Bald Eagle in 
May, 1850. 

BEECH CREEK. 

Beech Creek township was separated from Bald Eagle in 
May, 1850. 

The township takes its name from the "Beech creek," 
which flows through it. 

It is not known when or by whom the first settlement 
was made on the stream. 

It is known that Matthew Smith lived on the stream in 
1793, and he was probably the first settler. 

In 1800 John Quay, Isaac David, Daniel David and 
James David located above the present borough along 
Beech creek, on land that had been surveyed to other 
parties, but after remaining in peaceful possession for twenty- 
one years they received valid titles. The titles thus ob- 
tained included all the tillable land along Beech creek, be- 
tween the mouth of Monument Run and the present 
borough of Beech creek. 

The first school house in Beech Creek township was 
built in 1 8 10. It was constructed of logs, and stood near 
the Fearon property, and at one time a school was taught 
in it by Buck Claffin,the father of Victoria Woodhull. The 
next house was built in 1820, and stood on Beech creek 
about one mile above the present borough. The next was 
built under the public school law in 1840, on land then 
owned by Robert Fearon. There are now seven school 
buildings in Beech Creek township, all painted and in good 
condition. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 57 

The first church in the township was built by the Meth- 
odists, in 1834. Both the Methodists and Presbyterians 
held services in this structure until it was sold, in 1868. 
This church was located at the west end of the present 
borough, and was afterwards destroyed by fire. One of the 
pioneer circuit riders who preached in the neighborhood of 
Beech Creek was the Rev. Timothy Lee. 

For many years the principal industry of the township 
was lumbering. The first mill on Beech creek was built by 
Henry James, in 181 8. Christian Nestlerode built the 
second mill in the vicinity, on the Centre county side of the 
creek, in 1820. George Carr built a mill about five miles 
from the mouth of the creek, about the year 1824. 

In 1833 Joseph M. Smith built a mill on Beech creek at 
the mouth of Monument run. The first lumber sawed at 
this mill was used in the construction of the Harrisburg 
bridge. The four mills mentioned above are the pioneer 
lumbering establishments of the township. Many others 
have been built since. 

At the first election held in Beech Creek township, the 
following named officers were elected: 

John T. Packer and Andrew White, Justices; Thomas 
Crispen, Constable; Thomas Crispen and Joseph Linn, 
Supervisors; Robert Irwin and Cline Quigley, Overseers 
of the Poor; J. McGhee, J. M. Smith and F. G. W. Hallen- 
bach, Auditors; Thomas Crispen, Assessor; C. Bollinger, 
Thomas Crispen, A. Leonard, A. Bittner, William Reed 
and William Masden, School Directors. 

The only town in the township is the borough of Beech 
Creek. 

CASTANEA TOWNSHIP. 

At the February term of the Clinton county Common 
Pleas Court, held in 1877, a petition was presented by a 
number of the inhabitants of Dunnstable township, praying 
for the erection of a new township by the division of Dunns- 
table, which, on account of its great length and ill-shaped 



58 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

size, was inconvenient to a large number of its inhabitants. 
The petitioners asked for a division of said township by a 
line commencing at a point on the northern bank of the 
West Branch of the Susquehanna river, where the southern 
end of the division line between Woodward and Dunnstable 
came to the river ; thence in a southern direction through 
Great Island to low water mark on the southern side of 
Great Island; thence down the river to the northwestern 
corner of Wayne township. March ist, 1871, the Court 
appointed George J. Eldrech, Jacob Quiggle and John 
Earon to inquire into the propriety of granting the said 
prayer. May 19th, 1877, the commissioners made their re- 
port, recommending the said division. The voters of Dunns- 
table township met on December ist, 1877, and by a 
majority vote consented to the said division, and on De- 
cember 10, 1877, the Court approved the division, and gave 
to the new township the name of Castanea. The township 
ol Castanea is bounded on the east by Wayne township, on 
the south by Lamar, on the west by Allison, on the north 
by Woodward township and Lock Haven. It contains the 
village of Castanea, from which it derived its name. 

COLEBROOK TOWNSHIP. 

Colebrook township is one of the twelve townships into 
which the county was first divided. In forming the town- 
ships of Gallauher and Grugan, Colebrook was divided into 
two parts each, retaining the name. The township is 
bounded on the north by Grugan and Gallauher, on the 
east by Woodward, on the south by Bald Eagle, on the 
west by Grugan township. The streams of the township- 
are Lick run, Ferney's run, Tangascootac creek and Hol- 
land's run. Holland and Ferney's runs received their 
name from individuals. Tangascootac is a name of Indian 
origin. The minerals of the township are bituminous coal 
and fire clay. The first settler of the township is said to 
have been George Saltzman, whose brother, Anthony, was 
killed by the Indians at the mouth of Queen's run in 1877 

The property upon which he located is still owned by the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 59 

Saltzman heirs. It is located on the north side of the river, 
about two and one-half miles west of Lick Run. 

The first school house erected in the township was built 
on this tract. About the time Saltzman located on this 
land a small mill was erected at the mouth of Tangascootac 
creek. An employe of the mill by the name of Jones was 
killed by the Indians. Other settlers followed Saltzman, 
and in a short time all the bottom lands were taken up. 

Christian Earon came from Germany and settled on what 
is now known as the Joseph Earon farm, about the year 
1825. Tiie far*m is still in the possession of his descendants. 

The greater part of the mineral lands of the township are 
now owned by Fredericks, Munro & Co. Fifty years ago 
the leading industry of Clinton county was located at Far- 
randsville, in Colebrook township. The name of the town- 
ship was formerly spelled Coalbrook, and was derived from 
the discovery of coal on one of the streams. 

In 1866 the Alumina Fire Brick Company began the 
manufacture of fire brick at the mouth of Ferney's run. 
Their works were afterwards destroyed by fire, and have 
never been rebuilt. 

Ira Mason built a large saw mill on the Tangascootac 
creek, near its mouth, in 1864. A large water power shingle 
mill was afterwards erected in connection with the saw mill, 
and six extensive dams were constructed on the stream at a 
cost of ^25,000. The mill and improvements connected 
with it cost at least ;^ 100,000. 

The township now has two schools, one of which is at 
Farrandsville. There are about eighty families in the town- 
ship, the greater part of them living in the vicinity of Far- 
randsville. 

CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 

Previous to the organization of Clinton county, what is 
now Crawford township, was a part of Limestone township, 
Lycoming county, and, after the organization of Clinton, it 
was included in Wayne township. 



6o PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The township was created by an act of Assembly, ap- 
proved January 14, 184 1. It was named in honor of Hon. 
George Crawford, one of the first Associate Judges of Clin- 
ton county. 

This township is bounded on the north by Wayne, on the 
east by Lycoming county, on the south by Green and on 
the west by Wayne township. 

Part of the township lies in Nippenose valley. The first 
improvement in the valley was made by John Clark in 
1776, He and his family were driven away by the Indians 
at the time of the Revolution, but they returned in 1784. 

The valley is thickly populated, and contains quite a num- 
ber of prosperous and populous towns and villages. It was 
in this now peaceful valley that the famous Indian hunter, 
Peter Pence, once lived. Some of his descendants yet re- 
side in the valley. 

That portion of Crawford township within the limits of 
Nippenose valley was settled about sixty years ago. Other 
settlements were afterwards made within its limits on the 
borders of Green township. Much of the land is moun- 
tainous. Among the early settlers of the first settled por- 
tion we find the names Green, Shaw, Showers, Sallade> 
Gebhart, Shadle, Ranch, Brosius and Smith. The descend- 
ants of some of these families still form a portion of its 
people. The mountain portion of the township contained 
at one time much valuable timber. Agriculture and lum- 
bering have formed the principal business of its inhabitants. 
Valuable beds of iron ore exist within its limits. Consider- 
able prospecting has been carried on for coal. Nickle has 
been discovered, and, if the search were prosecuted, would 
likely be found to exist in paying quantities. Likewise gold, 
silver and plumbago have been found in small quantities. 

Among its citizens who are considerably above three 
score years and ten, may be mentioned: Mrs. Sara Ghun, 
widow of Joseph Ghun, deceased, who is still living at the 
age of about eighty-one years. The venerable Isaac Rob- 
bins is still living at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 6l 

CHAPMAN TOWNSHIP. 

Chapman township was formed while the territory now 
contained in CHnton belonged to Lycoming county. Since 
its organization it has lost much of its territory by the erec- 
tion of other townships. A portion was taken off in the for- 
mation of Grugan, in 1855, and in the formation of Noyes, 
in 1875. 

The West Branch flows through the southern part of the 
township, and receives as a tributary Young Woman's 
creek, which joins it at North Bend. 

Precisely when the first settlement was made in the town- 
ship is not known. As far as can be learned a man named 
William Reed cleared a few acres of land at the mouth of 
Young Woman's creek. He sold his improvement to 
Samuel Campbell. He in his turn conveyed the same to 
Thomas Robinson, who obtained a presumption warrant, 
dated October ist, 1785, for 307 acres. The tract included 
nearly all the flat land adjacent to the mouth of Young 
Woman's creek, and was afterwards conveyed by Robinson 
to Andrew Epple, of Philadelphia, by deed dated January 10, 
1787. "The history of North Bend prepared by Judge 
James W. Crawford gives a full and complete account of the 
above transactions." 

A man named Bennett built the first grist mill in the 
township. A few years later another mill was built at the 
mouth of Hyner run, and one was also built at the mouth 
of Paddy's run. These, with another built at the mouth of 
Tangascootac creek, were the first, and for a long time the 
only manufacturing establishments on the West Branch 
above the Big Island. A salt well was bored about the 
year 1820 by a man named Boggs. It was located on the 
south side of the river, above the mouth of Boggs' run. He 
sank the well to a depth of ninety feet, where he found 
water strongly impregnated with salt, but nothing was ever 
done towards the manufacturing of the article. 

About the year 1830 a modern water power mill was 



62 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

built on Hyner's run by Leonard and Michael Bradney. 
This mill was purchased in 1852 by T. B. Loveland and 
Isaac Shaffer, who, in their turn, sold out to Hansel & 
Brother in 1855. 

In 1862 the Hansels built another mill about one-half 
mile farther down the run, but soon after sold their prop- 
erty to Kolter, Hoshour & Co., of York county, Pa. In 
1872 the firm built a steam mill. The sawing capacity of 
the steam mill was 5,000,000 feet per year. 

In 1866 an act was passed by the Legislature, authoriz- 
ing the construction of a state road from North Point up 
Young Woman's creek to Germania, in Potter county, a 
distance of twenty-six and a half miles. By a supplement 
to the act passed in 1867, Joseph Schwartzenbach, Joseph 
H. Bailey, John White and A. J. Quigley were appoined 
commissioners to lay out and open the road, which was ac- 
complished in 1874, and the road is now in good condition. 
In 1868 an act was passed, incorporating the Clinton and 
Potter county Navigation company, the object of which 
corporation was to improve and clear Young Woman's 
creek for running down logs. 

In 1854 R. K. Hawley & Co. erected a saw mill on 
Young Woman's creek, about one-fourth of a mile from its 
mouth. In 1872 Messrs. Mensch & Lowenstein, of Wilkes 
Barre, built a steam mill. The mill had a capacity for saw- 
ing 6,000,000 feet per year. 

In 1863 Joseph and George Parsons and Henry Clark 
also built a large steam saw mill at the mouth of Paddy's 
run. This mill was purchased in 1876 by Gamble, White 
& Co. In 1827 a building, which served the two-fold 
purpose of church and school house, was built at the nK^uth 
of Young* Woman's creek, under the supervision of Rev. 
Daniel Barber. The following episode in the history of 
Chapman township, was written by Hon. A. J. Quigley, a 
former resident of North F^oint: 

"In 1837, at the Gubernatorial election, every effort was 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 63 

made to re-elect Joseph Ritner. Thaddeus Stephens had 
designed the Gettysburg tape ivorvi, and put in course of 
construction the West Branch division of the Pennsylvania 
canal. The workmen on the canal were anxious to have 
the work continue, and nothing but his re-election would 
in any event continue the work. The Democratic party, 
headed by David R. Porter, were opposed to internal im- 
provements by the state, believing that all such enterprises 
could be managed safer by private corporation. Many be- 
lieved that the construction of a canal to Erie was a stake 
of rather questionable policy. But the country being in the 
midst of a financial crash and hard times, the working 
men were looking to their own interest, and Thaddeus 
Stevens, a wily politician, seized the opportunity to take ad- 
vantage of the manifest will of the laborers on the canal, 
and came up to Young Womanstown, and devised a plan 
with the workmen to 'vote early and often.' The election 
board was manipulated to make the oath easy and bear 
lightly, and Young Womanstown, hitherto unknown in his- 
tory, only for its Indian tradition, became the notorious birth 
place of ballot-box stuffing, carried on to the present day in 
Philadelphia and other cities of the Union. Chapman 
township, which at that time had about fifty legal voters, 
polled over 700 votes for Joseph Ritner. The return judge, 
in carrying the returns to Williamsport, (this being then 
Lycoming county,) and who also was an untiring friend of 
Ritner, showed the open returns so often that they became 
sadly defaced, after which, to satisfy his many inquiring 
friends, he opened the sealed report, which act forfeited 
the legality of the report, and the board of return 
judges rejected it, and so saved Young Womanstown 
the first and hist illegal returns ever sent from that strong- 
hold of democracy. We have heard it said that it was 
dangerous to get to the window unless you could exhibit a 
ticket with the name of Joseph Ritner. Patrick O'Flaherty 
would vote, and then go away and take a drink, and return 
to the window with other tickets and vote the name of 



64 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

John Dougherty, without a question from the ward, except 
a significent nod from the 'boss' who stood at the window 
indicating that all was right, and so they continued re- 
peating all day." 

DUNNSTABLE TOWNSHIP. 

The township derived its name from William Dunn, one 
of its first settlers. It was taken from Bald Eagle township, 
and organized while its territory was a part of Lycoming 
county. Dunnstable township is bounded on the north by 
Gallauher, on the east by the West Branch and Pine Creek 
township, on the south by the West Branch and Lamar 
township, on the west by Woodward township and Lock 
Haven. The "Great Island," containing about 280 acres, is 
located within Dunnstable township. William Dunn, its 
first settler, took an active part in the Revolution, being 
one of the committee of safety for Northumberland county. 
He participated in many battles, among the number being 
those of Germantown and Trenton. Among the other 
pioneers of Dunnstable were Thomas Proctor and William 
Baird. The former was captain of the first Continental 
company of artillery, raised in Philadelphia. He was after- 
wards made a general. Other settlers followed Dunn and 
settled upon the rich lands of the township, and in a few 
years the territory in the vicinity of the Big Island was 
thickly settled. 

The village of Liberty was one of the most important 
places in the county at one time, and was settled at a very 
early date. The place received its name from the patriotic 
feelings of its first settlers. A store was kept in the village 
by one William Tweed, in 1 81 2, and a hotel was kept at 
the same time by George Quigley. Afterwards D. Moran 
kept a store near where the abutment of the river bridge 
now stands. 

The only business place in Liberty at the present time is 
the store of R. H. Quigley, at which the township elections 
are held. The public road crosses the island and reaches 
the place by the Great Island iron bridges which were 
erected in 1889. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 65 

In 1855 the postoffice at Lockport was removed to 
Dunnsburg, and called the Dunnsburg postoffice. Jacob 
Myers was the postmaster. The office was afterwards 
moved to Liberty; from there returned to Dunnsburg, and 
finally returned to Liberty, where it has remained ever 
since. The name, however, was changed to Island post- 
office, the name it now retains. The first church in Liberty 
was built by the Methodists in 1825. The present church 
structure was erected in 1 870. Years before there was any 
structure erected for religious worship, circuit riders visited 
the place and held services in the dwellings of Zebulon and 
Benjamin Baird. The first school house in Dunnstable 
township was a log structure, which stood at the time on 
what is now the Stewart farm. George Quiggle, of Liberty, 
manufactured the first plows made between Bellefonte and 
Williamsport. He also manufactured harrows and grain 
cradles, which were greatly in demand at the time. R. H. 
Quigley, the present postmaster at Liberty, has kept store 
in the place for forty years. 

The culture of tobacco was introduced into Dunnstable 
township in 1838, by David Baird. 

As the Great Island is a part of Dunnstable township, a 
sketch of the same will not be out of place here. As before 
stated, it contains about 280 acres. One hundred years ago 
this island served as a landmark for many of the important 
military operations in the West Branch valley. It is known 
that previous to its early settlement by the whites it was a 
great council ground of the Indians. History records the 
meeting of representatives of several powerful tribes of 
Indians on this island in 1755. This meeting was held to 
discuss several propositions made to the red men by the 
French at the time of the French and Indian war. 

About the year 1768 a party of surveyors visited this 
section of the West Branch valley, for the purpose of run- 
ning off the Allison tract and probably others in the vicinity. 
They were accompanied by a hunter named William Dunn, 
of York county, Pa., whose sole occupation was to furnish 

5 



66 



PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 



meat for the party from the abundance of game that then 
existed. Dunn carried a very handsome rifle and other 
accouterments to correspond, which attracted special atten- 
tion and admiration from an Indian chief, who claimed to 
be owner of the island. The chief was anxious to secure 
the objects of his admiration. Their owner refused to part 
with them, until at last he was offered the Great Island in 
exchange for the rifle, its belongings and a keg of whisky. 
Dunn accepted the chief's offer, and took possession of the 
"Big Island." After the whisky was drank the Indian 
wanted to trade back, a wish, however, which was not grat- 
ified, for Dunn knew a good thing when he saw it, and was 
determined to hold on to the island. It is said the Indians 
hung around the place for weeks, trying to get a shot at its 
new owner, who, knowing of their plans, kept out of their 
reach. The island was owned by William Dunn for many 
years, and at his death was divided among his heirs. One 
section of it is yet in possession of Elizabeth Dunn, widow 
of Judge William Dunn, a grandson of William Dunn, who 
purchased the land from the Indians. Of course the land 
was afterwards bought and the title secured from the Pro- 
prietary government, but history loves to relate the fact of 
its having been purchased at one time for a rifle and a keg 
of whisky. 

GALLAUHER TOWNSHIP. 

Gallauher township was erected September i8th, 1849. 
It is bounded on the north by Grugan township, on the 
east by Lycoming county, on the south by Line creek, 
Dunnstable and Woodward, and on the west by Wood- 
ward, Colebrook and Grugan townships. 

The first settler of which we have any account was John 
Gotschalk, who located on the Coudersport pike in 1835. 
The region at that time was a wilderness inhabited only by 
wild beasts. After the West Branch canal was completed, 
many of the laborers employed in its construction settled 
in Clinton county. Among them were John and George 
X^oyett, Andrew Nolan, John Hennessey and Michael 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 6/ 

Welsh, who selected farms in tliat portion of the present 
Gallauhcr township lying between Quinn's and Plum runs, 
forming the community now known as the "Irish Settle- 
ment." 

At the time that settlement was formed there was not a 
road within five miles, and not even a tree had been cut on 
the land taken by them. The howls of the wolf, the scream 
of the panther and the cry of the ferocious wild cat dis- 
turbed the midnight slumber of the sturdy settlers. Wild 
animals were very numerous, whole herds of deer could be 
seen at one time, and panthers and bears would boldly carry 
off domestic animals in open daylight. 

The greatest difficulty that beset the early settlers of Gal- 
lauher township was the securing of supplies. There were 
no roads, and not even a bridle path. The settlers were 
compelled to carry their grain to mill on their backs, the 
nearest mill being at Chatham's Run, a distance of five miles. 
This laborious and dangerous task was often performed by 
the women, who were neither lacking in courage or willing- 
ness to perform the work. 

The father of P. B. Crider, the latter who at one time was 
a citizen of Lock Haven, but who now resides in Bellefonte, 
settled in the township near the "Irish Settlement" in 1845. 

Another early settler of the section was Thomas Mc- 
Cann, a bachelor, who lived by himself. He cultivated a 
small farm and seemed to enjoy life. One winter morning 
he was found dead in bed. The cause of his sudden de- 
parture from this life was never known. 

J. Focht was another pioneer settler of the township. He 
was a soldier under Napoleon, and was with him at the de- 
feat of Waterloo. It is said that he was compelled to work 
two years to pay his passage to America. 

The Glovers, who located on the Coudersport pike at an 
early day, were also among the first settlers. 

The Jersey Shore and Coudersport pike is the boundary 
between Gallauher township and Lycoming county. This 



6S PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

old and prominent thoroughfare, as its name implies, con- 
nects Jersey Shore with Coudersport, the county seat of 
Potter county. The first school house in the township was 
built in 1850. It was located near the residence of John 
Lovett. The township took its name from Judge Gallauher, 
who was instrumental in its organization. Jack Lovett, 
who was murdered by Charles Brown on the night of De- 
cember 14th, 1889, was a son of John Lovett mentioned 
above. 

GREEN TOWNSHIP. 

Green township was organized in February, 1840. It 
is located in the southeast corner of the county and bounded 
as follows: On the north by Crawford and Lamar town- 
ships, on the east by Lycoming county, on the south by 
Centre county, and on the west by Lamar and Logan town- 
ships. The greater part of the township lies within Sugar 
valley. 

The Fishing creek is the principal stream in the town- 
ship. The part of the township lying in Sugar valley is 
about 800 feet higher than the level of the Susquehanna 
river. 

The first settlement was made in 1800 by Rudolph Kar- 
stetter. Many of his descendants yet reside in Sugar valley. 
Among the other settlers who came to the section at an 
early day were the Schracks, Brungards, Kahls and 
Kleckners. 

Those who settled in the east end of Sugar valley pre- 
vious to 1825 were John Brown, Jacob Franck, Henry 
Price, Daniel Cromley, Major Philip Wohlfart, David 
Stamm and others. 

Previous to 1830 a man named Frederick Friedley erected 
a blasting furnace in the township. The said furnace was 
called "Deborah Furnace." It was operated for several 
years, and finally sold by the sheriff Remains of "Deborah 
Furnace" may yet be seen in the extreme east end of the 
valley, near the Brown farm. 




p. p. RITTMAN, 
Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 69 

John Kleckner built the first grist mill in Sugar valley 
about the year 1800. It stood on the site of the present 
mill at Loganton. 

The first school house in the township was built in 1824. 
It was still in use as a church in 1880. 

There are quite a number of mills in the township, the 
largest, perhaps, being the steam mill of Jamison & Co. The 
old Philadelphia mill, as it was called, which was built in 
1845, ^'^^ located near where the Rosecrans postoffice now 
is, and which was latterly called "Garrity's Mill," was de- 
stroyed by the June flood of 1889. 

The township has ten good school houses, and an average 
term of six months. The village of Carroll, which is located 
at the extreme east end of Green township, contains about 
fifteen dwellings, a store and postoffice, a blacksmith shop 
and several minor industries. 

GRUGAN TOWNSHIP. 

This township was formed in 185 i, the territory which it 
comprises being taken from the townships of Colebrook and 
Chapman. It is divided into two nearly equal parts by the 
West Branch. The township is bounded on the north by 
Gallauher, Colebrook and Chapman, on the east by Cole- 
brook and Gallauher, on the south by Bald Eagle and Beech 
Creek, and on the west by Chapman. 

The principal wealth of the township consists in lumber. 
At an early day the best quality of oak and pine could be 
found, but the forests are now nearly depopulated. 

The mineral wealth of the township consists of coal, iron 
ore and fire clay, but very little has ever been accomplished 
by way of developing the mines. In 1864 an organiza- 
tion, called the West Branch Coal, Iron Ore and Lumber 
Company, was formed for the purpose of developing the 
mineral wealth of the township. This company purchased 
over 15,000 acres of land upon the waters of Baker's run, 
for which they paid 1^75,000. Lack of funds and great cost 
of getting the products to market, prevented anything of 
importance from being accomplished. 



70 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

By whom or at what time the first settlement in Grugan 
township was made is not definitely known. The earliest 
records that can be found claim that a tract of land, called 
"Indian Coffin," was surveyed to John Baker Atkin, Oc- 
tober 8th, 1785. This tract included the land around the 
mouth of Baker's run. About the time of the Revolution, 
this man Baker Atkin lived on the tract which had not yet 
been surveyed to him, but when the war broke out he, 
with the other inhabitants of the section, left and went to 
"Reed's Fort" for protection. Baker returned and secured 
his warrant in 1785. He was a German, and seemed to 
prosper by his industry. It is said he received the title of 
"King of the Narrows," as the valley west of Lock Haven 
was called. Baker built a water power grist mill, which 
was probably the first mill built west of Sunbury. Although 
it was a crude affair, it was a great improvement over the 
hand mills. Baker finally sold out and moved to the flat, 
now called Baker's town, where he died. 

The next settler seems to have been James Burney, who 
located on what is now the farm of ex-Commissioner John 
Grufran, at Glen Union. The tract was called "Settlers' 
Lick," on account of a deer lick in the vicinity. It is 
thought that Burney settled on this tract several years pre- 
vious to the Revolution. The Grugans, from whom the 
township was named, were among the early settlers. 
Charles Grugan, the grandfather of Coleman and John 
Grugan, came to this country from Ireland about the year 
1870. He was accompanied by his brother, John Grugan. 
They landed at New York, and there separated, the former 
coming to Pennsylvania and the latter going to Canada. 
Charles was married to a sister of James Burney, above 
mentioned. He lived in Buffalo valley, and was frozen to 
death. He had two sons and two daughters. The sons 
were James and Alexander. They were great hunters, and 
the latter is said to have killed in one season fifteen bears 
at sixteen shots. Coleman and John Grugan are sons of 
Alexander. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 7 1 

The first school in Gru<Tan township was opened in 1830. 
John Taylor, a shoemaker by trade, was the iirst teacher. 
The school building was swept away by an ice flood in 
1837- 

The Baker tract was owned for a time by Buckman 
Claffin. 

The last elk ever seen in Clinton county lost its life in 
Grugan township. 

KEATING TOWNSHIP, (eAST AND WEST.) 

Keating township occupies the extreme southwestern 
portion of Clinton county. It was erected December 21st, 
1814, ^^^ its territory enlarged by the addition of a part of 
Grove township in 1844. 

Ii 1875 it was divided into East and West Keating. 

Eist Keating is bounded on the north by Cameron 
courty, on the east by Noyes township, on the west by 
Cameron county and West Keating, and on the south by 
the Vest Branch. 

W^st Keating is bounded on the north by Cameron 
count/, on the west by Clearfield and Cameron counties, 
and oi the south by the West Branch. 

Tht first survey made in these townships was on August 
13th, 1785, by John Houstan, in pursuance of a warrant 
dated at Philadelphia, May 17th, 1785. The tract was sur- 
veyed to John Strawbridge. It consisted of 285 acres of 
land, situated on both sides of the Sinnemahoning creek, at 
or neir its mouth. Strawbridge sold his claim to Patrick 
Lusk His children, Robert and Martha Lusk, were sent 
frorr their home in Northumberland county to reside on the 
plac, and they became the first settlers of Keating town- 
ship 

The next settler appears to have been John Hilderbrand, 
wh) settled on the Moore place in 1805. He sold his farm 
to Thomas Burges, who in 1830 sold it to James Moore. 

A-bout this time John Conway settled at what is now 
caled "Hickory Hill." 



72 PAST AND Present of clinton county. 

John Rohn, Sr., settled in the same locality. John Rohn, 
one of West Keating's prominent citizens, is a son of this 
pioneer. 

John Kryder. a native of Dunnstown, settled in East 
Keating in 1819. The following account of his death, which 
occurred April 25th, 1875, appeared in the Clinton Dniio- 
rra/of May 6th, 1875. 

On Sunday, April 25th, there died in East Keating towp^ 
ship one of the pioneers of the West Branch. John Kryder 
was born in 1800, and came to Keating when it was 3^eta 
part of Grove township, Northumberland county. His ref- 
utation as a carpenter, builder and mill wright was knovn 
and respected. He lived for a few years at Cook's Run, on 
the farm of old Johnny Baird, (now owned by Squire Jlc- 
Closkey,) but finally settled down on the old homestead 
owned by Mattie Lusk, (sister of Mrs. McBride, who was 
murdered by Wade,) on the north side of the mouth ofSin- 
nemahoning creek, whom he afterwards took "for betlpr or 
for worse," and lived with her for many years after. Ini848 
his house was swept away by the flood, and nearly et^ery- 
thing that he owned was also claimed by the ragmg witers; 
but, nothing daunted, he soon set to work and built him- 
self another home, which still stands on the banks it the 
mouth of the creek, as a monument of his industry and 
handiwork. Indeed, there is scarcely an old house d^ mill 
between Lock Haven and Keating but that was partlybuilt 
by his hands. 

As he grew up in years he became famous as a river 
pilot, and was counted one of the best on the river. Dliring 
the last few years of his life he devoted most of his ipare 
time to fishing, and was never so happy as when paddling 
his canoe on the river. 

He was the father of a large family, all of whom he has 
gone to meet but three — two sons and one daughter. Durell 
and Allison Kryder are well known to many of your 
readers, while his only daughter is the wife of our late can- 
missioner, Wallace Gakle. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 73 

Pioneer Schools. — "The first school house was built 
about the year 1830. It was built of logs, and within a few 
yards of the present school house, opposite Keating Station. 
John Rohn, Sr., was President; John Kryder, Secretary; 
and James Moore, Treasurer of the first Board of Directors. 
Robert Lusk, first Justice of the Peace, appointed and com- 
missioned by the Governor." 

Pioneer Taverns — Flood. — "The first tavern was kept 
by Jacob Berge, in tlie house now owned by Caleb Cannon, 
situated about one mile from the mouth of the Sinnema- 
honing creek, and bore the very queer name of 'Mad 
House,' by which name the building is known at the present 
day. Robert Lusk also had a distillery (on a small scale), 
in which he made apple-jack from the large orchard on his 
farm. In the year 1847 the great flood swept away nearly 
every improvement in the shape of buildings in the town- 
ship." 

The first store in the township was built by C. C. Mc- 
Clelland, near the mouth of the Sinnemahoning creek. 

The pioneer industry of the township was lumbering. 
Each settler would cut and make his own raft, and float it 
down the river, sometimes as far as Marietta. 

Hunting and fishing at odd times kept the settlers in 
meat, and the skins of the animals killed would be taken to 
Jersey Shore and disposed of for groceries and other needed 
articles. 

Ea.st Keating has three railroad stations and three post- 
ofiices, viz: Round Island, Wistar and Keating. 

East Keating has four schools and West Keating three. 
The latter has no postoffice. 

LAMAR TOWNSHIP. 

Lamar township lies between the Bald Eagle and Sugar 
valley mountains. It is bounded on the north by Beech 
Creek, Bald Eagle, Castanea and Wayne, on the east by 
Crawford and Green, on the south by Green, Logan and 
Porter, on the west by Porter township. 



74 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Before Clinton county was formed, Lamar township be- 
longed to Centre county, and included at that time the ter- 
ritory now embraced in Lamar and Porter townships. 

This township was named in honor of Major Lamar, a 
gallant Revolutionary officer, who was killed at the battle 
of Paoli. About one-half of Lamar township lies in Nit- 
tany valley, often called the "Garden of Clinton County," 
on account of the fertility of its soil. 

Among the first settlers of Lamar township were two men 
named Cowden and Birchfield. They both located in the 
east end of Nittany valley. They never secured a title to 
the land, hence it is not supposed that they remained very 
long, neither is it definitely known just what time they 
came to the section. It was, however, previous to 1800. 
About this time John George Furst came from near Sun- 
bury, Northumberland county, and obtained a patent for 
about 500 acres, also near the east end of the valley. This 
purchase was subsequently divided among his heirs, five in 
number, one of whom, Cline G. Furst, Esq., of Lock 
Haven, now owns the original homestead. The Snyders, 
Brumo-ards and several other families came to the township 
at an early day, and located where their representatives now 
reside, in what is known as the East End of the valley. 
The Snyder farm was purchased by a grandfather of John 
Snyder, its present occupant, previous to 1800. 

Though the early settlers of the township were mostly of 
German descent, there were some of other nationalities. 
Besides those already mentioned were the Herrs, Leidj^s, 
Hartmans, Kleckners, McGhees, Browns, Spanglers, Mc- 
Nauls, Heards, Wilsons, Rishels, McKinneys and Porters, 
all of whom were permanent citizens. 

The first school house in Lamar was built about 18 10. 
It was constructed of logs, and at one stage of its existence 
was heated by a large stove, which projected through one 
side of the building, and received its supply of fuel, in the 
shape of logs, four feet long, from the outside. It stood 
on or near the lands of George Furst. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 75 

In 1833 or 1S34 a furnace was erected just within Lamar 
Gap by Messrs. Kurtz and Hepburn. It was thought that 
sufficient ore, of a good quality, could be obtained in the 
vicinit}', but when the furnace was in blast the supply of 
material at hand proved to be unsuitable for profitable man- 
ufacture, and it was found necessary to haul all the ore used 
from some distance up the valley, which made operations 
so expensive that the enterprise was soon abandoned. 

About the year 1824 Samuel Hepburn & Co. started a 
store at what is called Cedar Springs. In 1833 they were 
succeeded by John S. Furst, Esq. 

At quite an early day Samuel Brown kept a tavern at or 
near the place now occupied by Furst's store. It was prob- 
ably the first public house in the township. Brown also 
had the first tan yard in the vicinity. 

Lamar township has turned out more prominent men 
than any other township in Clinton county. Among the 
number were Hon. Joseph Quay, who served as state sen- 
ator from 1843 to 1846, and as associate judge and county 
commissioner in Clinton county. John Miller, first sheriff 
of Clinton county. Dr. George C. Harvey, who served as 
associate judge of the county from 1850 to 1856. Thomas 
McGhee, who served one term as sheriff and two terms as 
prothonotary. Hon. George J. Eldred, who represented 
the county in the Legislature. 

General D. H. Hastings, the hero of John.stown, and adju- 
tant general under Governor Beaver, was also a barefooted 
boy of Lamar township ; and the citizens of the said town- 
ship are very proud of the fact. 

Martin W. Herr, former county superintendent of Clinton 
county. S. M. McCormick, a prominent member of Clin- 
ton county bar, and Professor Daniel Herr, the oldest teacher 
in Clinton county and at one time county superintendent. 
Samuel Porter, who at one time resided in Lamar town- 
ship, was a member of Morgan's rifle command in the 
Revolutionary war. He died January loth, 1825, aged 79 



^6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

years. He was buried the next day in Great Island ceme- 
tery, Lock Haven. 

Lamar township contains three villages — Salona, Mackey- 
ville and Rote. This township also contains Cedar Hill 
cemetery. 

We are under obligations to 'Squire J. C. Sigmund, of 
Salona, for the following sketch of the same: 

The Cedar Hill cemetery association was incorporated 
in the year 1870. Prior to that time the residents of the 
lower portion of Nittany valley had no place of interment 
except the old cemetery on the hill at the western end of 
Lock Haven, and several smaller ones, one of which was 
located in Bald Eagle valley, and the other two severally at 
the eastern end of the town of Salona, and on the hill on 
the southwest, where the old Reformed church stood. All 
of these had become crowded, and none of them possessed 
that order, nor were kept in that secure condition, which the 
eye of affection loves to see around the resting place of its 
dead. And more than this, no proper title, or guarantee 
against the ruthless hand of encroaching enterprise, was 
held by the parties who had buried in them. 

These considerations, and principally the last, impelled 
some of the prominent citizens of the valley to place their 
names to a petition, asking the Court to grant them the 
charter under which they could attain to the ends desired. 
At a meeting of the petitioners held February 9th, 1870, 
five persons were chosen as managers, viz: Hugh Conley, 
G. J. Eldred, John P. Heard, James L. Stephenson and J. C. 
Sigmund. Another meeting was called on the 21st of the 
same month, for the purpose of effecting a more thorough 
organization, but, owing to the illness of Mr. Conley, was 
adjourned, and before another meeting was held the asso- 
ciation had lost one of its most respected and active mem 
bers, and the remains of Mr. Conley were the first, with the 
exception of those of a little child, to find a resting place in 
the newly consecrated ground, he having died just fifteen 
days after the first meeting of the association. 




cJOHN F. BROWN, 



Prothonotary of Clinton County, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 'J 'J 

At the next meeting William Hays was chosen to fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Conley, and the follow- 
ing were elected officers: President, John P. Heard; Secre- 
tary, John C. Sigmund; Treasurer, James Stephenson. 

Among the dead buried here may be found the names of 
many of the early settlers of the valley, and some prominent 
strangers, notably those of the Chisholm family, who were 
murdered in the state of Mississippi in 1877, and brought 
to Cedar Hill and interred in 1779. 

The brutal murder of three innocent persons, father, son 
and daughter, in DeKalb, Kemper county, Mississippi, is 
still fresh in many memories, but we recall, briefly, some of 
the circumstances. Judge Chisholm had been pursued for 
ten years, and threatened by the Ku Klux, of Kemper 
county, and their sympathizing friends across the Alabama 
line. Several raids had been made upon him, the last just 
before the election. The matter coming before the United 
States District Court, the Judge and John P. Gilmer testified 
against the ruffians before the grand jury. This so enraged 
the gang that they determined to kill those who had sworn 
against them as soon as a pretext could be found. 

One of the leaders, John W. Gully, was shot on the 26th 
of April, 1877, while riding through the woods on his way 
from DeKalb to his home. The banditti at once accused 
Chisholm, Gilmer and others with having instigated the 
murder. 

They were arrested — or rather, they gave themselves up — 
and Gilmer was shot on his way to jail, whilst Chisholm and 
his two children were mortally wounded in the jail; the 
others escaped. Subsequent events revealed the fact that 
Gully was shot by a negro whom he had threatened to kill, 
and who has since been hanged. More than this, there has 
never been a fact or circumstance that would sustain the 
shadow of a suspicion against Chisholm or anyone of the 
accused. 

LEIDY TOWNSHIP. 

Leidy township was stricken from Chapman township in 



y8 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

1847. It is bounded on the north by Potter county, on the 
east by Chapman township, on the south by Noyes town- 
ship, on the west by Cameron county. 

The first white settler of Leidy township was Simeon 
Pfouts, who settled on Kettle creek in 18 13. In the spring 
of 1 8 14 he moved his family from their home in Perry 
county to the rude cabin he had built in the fastness of the 
mountains. He was an expert hunter, and game and fish 
furnished the largest share of his provisions. He reared a 
family of nine children. One of his daughters became the 
wife of Isaac Summerson, who is now a prominent citizen 
of Leidy township. Simeon Pfouts died August 26th, 
1856, from the bite of a rattlesnake which he was handling. 

Previous to 1820 — probably about 18 19 — several men 
came to Kettle creek and settled upon the rich bottom 
lands of what is now Leidy township. An Englishman 
named Summerson settled on the northeastern side of 
Ox-Bow bend. He reared a family of ten children. Isaac 
Summerson, mentioned above, is a son of this pioneer; he 
now resides on the old homestead. 

During the year 1824 Jacob Hammersley and Archie 
Stewart settled at the mouth of the first fork of Kettle 
creek. They erected the first grist mill in this section. 
This mill was a great boon to the settlers, who, heretofore, 
were compelled to carry their flour from the river. Their 
groceries at that time were purchased near the " Great 
Island " and shipped to the homes of the settlers in canoes. 
Jacob Hammersley was a great hunter. He is said to have 
killed five elks in one day. He reared a family of nine 
children. Many of his descendants still reside on Kettle 
creek. "Old Jake," as he was familiarly called, died in 
February, 1873, at the age of ninety years. 

The first school house erected in Leidy township was 
built on the east bank of the creek, on the farm now occu- 
pied by Isaac Walters. The said house was erected in 1844. 
The first teacher in the school was a man named Grimes. 
The next school house was erected on the western bank of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 79 

the creek, opposite the point where the Boone road reaches 
the stream. There are now five schools in the township, 
which are kept open during the summer season. 

The first store where goods were offered for sale was 
erected on what is known as the Leonard farm. This was 
in 1858. In i860 Hamilton Fish engaged in the mercantile 
business. In 1862 Munson & Goodman started a store, 
which they conducted for about nine years ; then Munson 
sold out to Goodman & Brother. Clement & Mills con- 
ducted a mercantile business for about five years. They 
failed in January, 1874. 

John J. Walton, Benjamin Wheaton, Michael Campbell, 
Arthur Clement and Nicholas Watt have served as justices 
of the peace for Leidy township. The latter is acting in 
that capacity at the present time. 

The first hotel where liquor was lawfully sold in the 
township was kept by Isaac Summerson. 

The Paddy's Run road was constructed by Berlin, Chat- 
ham & Co., in 1862. 

The first road extending from the river to Kettle creek 
was built many years before there was any settlement on 
Kettle creek. It was built under the supervision of an 
engineer named Boone, and has ever since been called 
Boone road. 

The Butler road was constructed from Sugar Camp run 
to the river in 1850. The distance was twelve miles. 

In 1869 an act of Assembly was passed authorizing the 
construction of a road from Westport to the Potter county 
line. A. C. Noyes, Hamilton Fish and Nicholas Watt were 
appointed to superintend the work- 

The township was named after Judge Leidy, of Salona. 
The first election in the township was held in the house of 
Alexander Kelly. 

In 1864 a New York company put down an oil well to 
the depth of 888 feet, and as no oil was found the company 
ceased operations. 



80 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

White and red sandstone, of an excellent quality, are 
found in the mountains of the township. Fire clay and 
coal, of a superior quality, also exists in the township. 
Several large tracts of land have recently been purchased, 
and it will be but a short time until the clay and coal mines 
will be fully developed. A. H. Mann, of Lock Haven, owns 
a number of acres of land in the township, which is under- 
laid with the finest quality of fire clay yet discovered. 

Many Indian relics have been discovered in the Kettle 
creek region, such as fire places built of stone, stoneware, 
arrow heads and pipes, all of which go to prove that the 
section was once the home of the red man. 

LOGAN TOWNSHIP. 

What is now Logan township was originally included in 
Miles township, Centre county, and was organized previous 
to the formation of Clinton. At that time it contained the 
territory now embraced in Green township. 

Logan township is bounded on the north by Porter and 
Lamar, on the east by Green, on the south and west by 
Centre county. 

The township received its name in honor of the celebrated 
Indian chief, Logan, who, according to tradition, had a path 
across the valley. The place where he crossed Nittany 
mountain is still called "Logan's Gap." 

The only stream in the township of any importance is 
Fishing creek. 

The first actual settlement in Sugar valley was made soon 
after the Revolution by John Christopher Culby, who had 
been a Hessian soldier- He deserted the British cause and 
joined the Americans. He located on the farm afterwards 
owned by Joseph Herb, at Logan Mills. Samuel Jones, 
another Revolutionary soldier, was the next to arrive. The 
Grenningers, whose descendants now live at Tylersville, were 
also among the pioneer settlers of the valley. Philip 
Schreckengast, John Philips, John Strawcutter and Henry 
Spangler came at nearly the same time. Quite a number of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 8 1 

settlers came from Brush valley and located in Sugar valley 
at a very early date. Among the number were Barnet 
Rockey, Michael Bressler, Michael Kettner, Philip Glantz 
and Frederick Womeldorf. About the year 1840 Colonel 
Anthony KlecknerbuiltthestonemillatLogan Mills. About 
the same time Michael Kettner built a grist mill about three 
miles west of Tylersville. 

This property is now owned by John Ruhl, who now has 
a saw and shingle mill, which is erected near the site of the 
old mill. There are several saw and shingle mills in the 
township at the present time. 

John Lamey made a settlement in 1829 on the north side 
of the valley, which has since been known as " John Currin's 
improvement." A settlement was made on the south side 
of the valley about 18 19 by John Kitchen. 

The township contains three villages — Tylersville, Boone- 
ville and Logan Mills. There are six schools in the town- 
ship, with an average term of six months. The schools of 
the valley, although for many years in a backward state, 
are now in a flourishing condition. 

NOYES TOWNSHIP. 

Noyes township was cut off from Chapman in 1875. It 
is bounded on the north by Leidy, on the east by Chapman 
and Grugan, on the south by Beech Creek, and on the west 
by East Keating township. It is well watered by many 
streams. Among the number are Kettle creek and Drury's 
run. Bitumious coal abounds in the mountains, and valu- 
able mines are now being operated. There is also an un- 
limited amount of the best fire clay beneath the surface of 
the lands of Noyes township. A. H. Mann, of Lock Haven, 
owns a large tract of land in the township, underlaid with 
clay. 

The first settlement in the territory was made about the 
time of the Revolution, by Richard Gilmore. 

Shintown Settlement. — The first settlement at Shin- 
town was made by a Mr. Long about the year 1790, and 



82 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

after he abandoned it a man by the name of George Hunter 
succeeded him. Hunter lived here in i8o6 or 1807 at the 
earliest; he had two sons and two daughters; lived in an 
old log house with the chimney built on the outside. 
Hunter subsequently moved west. He was succeeded by 
David Drake and David Summerson. Drake also moved 
west in course of time. The property at this time was 
owned by John Caldwell. It was sold by him to David 
Summerson, and was afterwards sold out by the sheriff and 
again purchased by John Caldwell, and finally sold by him 
to Jacob Kepler about 1831, who moved on it from Drury's 
Run. 

The land on the north side of the river was improved by 
Joseph Cams and John Berry about 1806 or 1807. This 
property was owned by a Philadelphia party and sold to 
Jesse Hall. Cams moved to the flat now owned by William 
Stout, where he lived for many years. He finally sold his 
land to John Bridgens, who, after living on it for a number 
of years, sold it to William Stout. 

The land on the south side of the river, near the mouth 
of McSherry's run, was settled by Barney McSherry be- 
tween the years 18 10 and 1815. 

Cook's Run Settlement. — Cook's Run was settled at an 
early day by a man by the name of James McGinley, per- 
haps about the time of the Revolution or shortly after. It 
was known for many years as McGinley 's Bottom. This 
was then Pine Creek township, Northumberland county. 
This land was claimed by pre-emption right, and the war- 
rant dated August 2d, 1785, and patent issued in the name 
of William Cook, under Governor Mifflin, dated May 26th, 
1795. The land was purchased by William Cook, of the 
McGinley heirs. 

William Cook subsequently sold this property to one 
Samuel Hains, of Loyalsock township, Northumberland 
county, and in time he sold to John Carskaddon, May 6th, 
1795, and Carskaddon sold to John Baird, May 7th, 1810, 
£)(3th of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 83 

Mr. Baird had the first postoffice established at Cook's 
Run, and he also got the mail route through from Dunns- 
town to Coudersport. He was appointed postmaster at 
Cook's Run, and also had the mail route. This was the 
only postoffice for many years in what is now Noyes town- 
ship. The office and the route were established in 1830. 
The Cook's Run postoffice was aboli.shed by the department 
in 1863. Mr. John Baird closed his earthly career in the 
year 185 i. His property at Cook's Run was divided be- 
tween two of his daughters, Nancy, who is married to Abner 
McCloskey, and Emily, married to John McCloskey. Each 
of these have raised large families. A. O. Caldwell, late of 
Westport, was married to a daughter of Mr. Baird. 

PORTER TOWNSHIP. 

This township was cut off from Lamar in 1841, and 
named in honor of Governor Porter. It is bounded on the 
north by Beech Creek, on the east by Lamar, on the south 
by Logan, and on the west by Centre county. 

The McKibbens are supposed to have been the first set- 
tlers. They were of Scotch-Irish descent. The first settlers 
were pretty much all Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and went 
to church at Jacksonville, where stood the only church in 
that part of the country at that time Rev. Wilson was the 
first stationed preacher at that place. Then came James 
Linn, the father of Judge Linn, who used to preach in the 
neighborhood, sometimes at the houses of James McKibben, 
David Allison and others. 

Other early settlers in the township were the Stephen- 
sons, Watsons, Dornblazers, Reeds, Brownlees, Allisons, 
McCloskeys and Shields. The Stephensons came to the 
township in April, 1795. They bought the land and set- 
tled where H. C. Allison now lives. John Watson settled 
near where Clintondale now stands. William, his brother, 
settled on the Dornblazer farm. John Shield settled on the 
land of which the farm of James Wilson is now a part. 

From the year 1800 to 1820 the following named persons 



84 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

came to this township: Andrew Eakins, father of the pres- 
ent James Eakins; Philip Walker, father of Philip and John 
Walker; Joseph Gamble, who married the widow of John 
Watson; Alex. Robertson, the Moores, Peter Smith, George 
Ohl, Esq., the Millers, Bechtols, William and Thomas 
Brown, James Nixon, and a number of others. Between 
1820 and 1830 came William C. Wilson, David Allison, 
Peter Seyler (who had a large family of boys and girls), 
William Devling, Valentine Meyer, Solomon Crotzer, J. P. 
McElrath (who was afterwards sheriff of the county), Martin 
Long, Robert Tate, John Best, Jacob Krape, Sr., John Solt, 
John Dornblazer, father of the present John and Peter 
Dornblazer. The latter came in 1831. 

Washington iron works were built in 1809 by William 
Beattie and John Dunlop. The latter was killed in the ore 
bank. Beattie carried on the works for some time and 
failed, and left the country, after which Valentine Showers 
took the works and used up the stock- The works were 
then out of use for fifteen years, during which time they 
became the property of Mrs. Henderson, mother of Mrs. 
Calvert and Mrs. Bressler, of Lock Haven. About 1825 
Irvin & Huston took possession and operated the furnace 
successfully for about ten years, when Whitaker & Co. became 
operators. After the death of Benjamin Pyle. one of the 
firm, the works were operated by McCormick & Morris and 
James Irvin, and finally sold to Messrs. Fallon, and oper- 
ated by them during the war, and since then by Samuel 
Watson, Barlow & Day, and later by Jacob Yearick. The 
works were abandoned in 1878, and have never since been 
operated. 

The first school house of which we could obtain any 
authentic information in that part of Lamar, now embraced 
within the territorial limits of Porter township, was located 
near Clintondale, on the farm of Mr. John Watson. It was 
built in 1808, and, like all other primitive buildings, was 
made of logs. 




dOHN W. HARRIS, ESQ- 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OP CLINTON COUNTY. 85 

The first term of school in this house was taught by- 
Andrew Ackens, who did good service here in the capacity 
of teacher for a number of years. 

A year or two after the estabhshment of the school near 
Clintondale, a school was opened by Mr. Patrick Hughs, in 
a house located on Cedar Run, near the residence of David 
Allison. The third school building, erected about 1820, 
was located west of Cedar Run, on the farm of James Mc- 
Kibben. This was a frame house, and a slight improve- 
ment, in several essential particulars, on those previously 
built in the district. About 1830 a fourth school was es- 
tablished near the public highway leading to Bellefonte. 
The question of accepting or rejecting the system of in- 
struction, provided by law, was submitted to the people some 
time during the spring or summer of 1834; and although 
the verdict pronounced at the ballot-box was in favor of ac- 
cepting, yet the system met with a strong and bitter oppo- 
sition, which did not wholly subside for many years after. 

In the autumn of this year (1834) seven free schools were 
opened in the township, and placed under the control of the 
following teachers: Mrs. J. W. Ferree, George Furst, 
Samuel Hartman, James Stephenson, John Brady, James 
Crawford and Ezra G. Bartram. The first Board of School 
Directors were John Dornblazer, Sr., President; Joseph 
Milliken, Secretary; William C. Wilson, Israel Nuffy, David 
Allison and Valentine Meyer. 

Porter township now has seven schools, all in a flourish- 
ing condition. 

PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Pine Creek is one of the twelve townships into which the 
county was first divided, and is so called from the creek of 
that name which flows along its eastern border. 

It is bounded on the south by the West Branch, on the 
west by Dunnstable, on the north by Gallauher and Lycom- 
ing county, and on the east by Lycoming. 

The township is well supplied with water. At one time 
the region through which Pine Creek flows was bountifully 



86 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

supplied with the choicest pine timber, hence the name 
which was given by the first settlers. The Indian name for 
the stream was " Tiadaghton." It is the largest tributary of 
the West Branch. 

The whole township was settled upon several years pre- 
vious to the Revolution. The first settlers, who returned 
about the year 1785, settled on their improvements, made 
previous to time of the " Big Runaway," and took out their 
warrants. 

Among those who never returned was a man named 
Donaldson, who had settled on the tract known later as the 
Duncan farm, now owned by Crawford and Smith. Alex- 
ander Hamilton never returned, being killed by the Indians 
at Northumberland. His family returned and took out a 
warrant for his improvement in 1785. 

The first laid out road through the township was a bridle 
path; it was laid out in 1775, beginning at the mouth of 
Bald Eagle and ending opposite Sunbury. In 1797, soon 
after Lycoming county was organized, a view from Pine 
Creek, to and through the Great Island, laid out a wagon 
road on the same ground. 

The first settlement on the north side of the river, 
in Pine Creek township^ commenced in 1772. The first 
settlers were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and, as in all 
other places where they located, they at once organized 
schools. 

The first house erected for school purposes was built of 
logs, and located opposite Sour's ferry. Another was 
erected later on the main road, within a half mile of Pine 
Creek where the brick school house now stands. This was 
quite a prominent educational institution. Reading, writ- 
ing, arithmetic and surveying were taught. The teachers 
were mostly Irishmen. The pupils came from all sections 
of Pine Creek, One of the teachers who plied the birch, 
and taught the juile of three, was Rev. Kineaid, who was 
driven away by the Indians and never returned. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 8/ 

Missionaries visited Pine Creek long before there were 
any churches built. The first church erected in the town- 
ship was a frame structure located on the west bank of Pine 
Creek, two miles west of Jersey Shore. John Knox was 
the contractor. It remained unfinished for many years, 
and services were held without fire for twenty years. 
It was then heated by two fireplaces, and afterwards 
wood stoves were used. The structure was burned in 
1842 and never rebuilt. Rev. Isaac Grier was the first 
regular pastor. In 18 14 Rev. John H. Grier was installed 
as pastor of this and the Great Island congregation. 
Rev. Grier served the Great Island congregation eleven 
years, and the Pine Creek and Jersey Shore congregations 
for nearly forty years. He purchased a farm in Pine Creek 
township, which he cultivated in connection with his pastoral 
duties during the latter part of his life. He died in 1880 
aged nmety-two years. 

The Coudersport pike was completed to Coudersport in 
1833, a di.stance of sixty-five miles. In i860 it was aban- 
doned as a turnpike and located as a township road. From 
1820 to 1824, the mail was carried from Jersey Shore to 
Olean, a distance of 109 miles. John Murphy was the mail 
carrier. He traveled on horseback. From 1832 to 1840 a 
two-horse stage ran over the route. For four years of the 
time it ran once a week, and for the other four twice a week. 

Among the prominent events that have occurred in the 
township was the "Pine Creek Declaration of Independ- 
ence." On the Fourth of July, 1776, a number of men of 
the township assembled on the plains of Pine Creek and 
formally declared the independence of the colonies. Among 
the number present were Robert Lore, Thomas Nicols, 
John Jackson, Thomas Francis, Alexander Hamilton, John 
Clark, William Campbell, Adam Carson, Henry McCracken 
Adam Dewitt and Alexander Donaldson. This event oc- 
curred before the citizens of Pine Creek knew the result of 
Richard Henry Lee's motion in Continental Congress at 
Philadelphia. 



88 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

John Brown came to Pine Creek in 1809 from North- 
ampton county. His son, Thomas Brown, married Priscilla 
Ferguson, a daughter of Andrew and Esther Ferguson. 
This wife died February 24th, 1834, and Mr. Brown was 
again married March 4th. 1835, to Eleanor G. Ferguson, a 
sister of his first wife. Thomas Brown died September 1 2th, 
1875. He was one of the leading citizens of his township, 
and was greatly mourned at his death. He owned a num- 
ber of fine farms, several of which are at present owned by 
his descendants. 

The White family were among the pioneers of Pine Creek 
township. Colonel Hugh White was a captain in Colonel 
Hunter's battalion, commissioned April 19, 1776. He was 
six feet high, straight as an arrow, and of dignified deport- 
ment. He reared a large and highly respectable family. 
One son was killed by being thrown from his horse while 
riding a race. Colonel White himself died from an injury 
received by being thrown from his horse. His death oc- 
curred in 1822, when he was in his eighty-second year. 

Pine Creek township has eight schools in a flourishing con- 
dition. There are a number of industries of various kinds 
within the limits of the township, and some of the finest 
farms in the State of Pennsylvania. Tobacco raising has 
become a leading industry, and the weed is being cultivated 
with great success along the river bottoms. 

The villages of the township are Charlton and Richville. 
The venerable John Hamilton, who died in the township a 
few years ago at a very advanced age, was a man of learn- 
ing and ability. The principal facts used in the preparation 
of this sketch was taken from articles written by him. He 
was probably the best authority on the subject that could 
have been found. 

WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 

Wayne township is one of the original twelve townships 
of Clinton county. It was taken from Nippenose township, 
Northumberland county, in 1795, when Lycoming county 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 89 

was organized. It was named in honor of General Anthony 
Wayne, or "Mad Anthony," as he was called. 

The township is located on the south side of the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna. It is bounded on the north by 
Pine Creek and Dunnstable, east by Lycoming county and 
Crawford township, west by Castanea, and south by Lamar 
township. Part of the township is several hundred feet 
above the river. It is well supplied with small streams and 
possesses considerable mineral wealth. 

The first white man to settle in what is now Wayne town- 
ship was William McElhattan,an Irishman, who, about 1 760^ 
settled about one mile west from where the McElhattan 
creek empties into the river. McElhattan never received a 
title to his land. 

The next settler was Richard McCafferty, who settled on 
the river bank about one mile east of McElhattan creek. 
He died in 1770. He was the first white person buried in 
the township. 

The third settler was Robert Love, who settled on what 
is now called Love's run, a short distance below Pine sta- 
tion. He built a mill, which was kept in operation for 
many years. 

Robert Love was one of the "Fair Play" men who passed 
the "Pine Creek Declaration of Independence" during the 
summer of 1776. 

Horn's Fort, a famous resort of the early settlers, was 
built in i774-'75. It was located on a high bluff a little 
west of Kurtz's run, at which place there is a short curve in 
the river, giving a view of both banks, east and west, for 
over a mile. No doubt it was built there so that the ap- 
proach of the wily Indian could be more easily seen, and 
give the settlers, in time of danger, time to flee to the fort 
for safety. 

Horn's Fort was only a stockade fort, and was not sup- 
plied with any arms but the muskets and rifles of the set- 
tlers; it was the most advanced on the frontier, save Reed's 
Fort, near where Lock Haven now is. The remains of 



90 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Horn's Fort could be seen till i856-'58, when, by the build- 
ing of the Philadelphia and Erie railroad, the last vestiges 
of it were destroyed. 

The mountain land was not much looked after till about 
1804 or 1805. Among the permanent settlers who bought 
land and improved it were the Quiggles, who came from 
Lancaster in 1788, and the Montgomerys in 1790. The 
original Montgomery farm is now owned by Wilson, James 
and Andrew Montgomery. The Quiggle farm was owned 
by S. N. Quiggle till within a few years, when it was bought 
by Charles S. Gallauher. The last payment on this farm 
by the Quiggles is acknowledged by the following queer 
receipt, now in the hands of S. N. Quiggle: 

June the 27th, 1807. — Receivt by the Hand of George 
Quickie the Sum of Sixty-Two Founts for John Quickie to 
the Yuse of Adam and George Wilt, I Say Receivt by 

"Henry Shearman." 

There were two Indian towns of considerable note within 
the limits of the township. On the Montgomery farm, 
about a half-mile northeast of Wayne station, was a town 
called "Patterson," over which a chief of that name of the 
Shawanee tribe ruled. In this town lived the famous Chink- 
lacamoose, prior to going to "Chinklacamoo.se's old town," 
now Clearfield. The other was called "Tucquamingy," and 
was on the farm now owned by Major Sour. 

Pioneer Schools and Teachers. — The first school in 
the township was taught by Walter S. Chatham, father of 
ex-Sheriff Chatham, in an old, abandoned dwelling house 
near Kurtz's run, which was prepared for school purposes. 
This school was opened in i8o7-'8, and soon gained such a 
reputation that it was attended by students from Jersey 
Shore, Pine Creek and Nippenose, among whom were 
Robert G. White, afterwards judge, John and Isaac Brown, 
men of character and distinction. Though Chatham made 
no pretensions to teach anything but reading, writing, arith- 
metic and a little grammar, he was for many years con- 
sidered the best teacher in this section. He continued to 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 9 1 

teach in this old house till 18 13, at which time a new house 
was built on the Quiggle (now Gallauher) farm. This house 
was burned in 1827, on account of a man having, in a state 
of mental derangement, committed suicide within it. 

In 1830 a school house was built on the road leading to 
Sugar Valley. This house was used for school purposes 
until 1 86 1, and was also used as a church from the time of 
its erection until the building of the Union church, in 1853. 

Hon. James Chatham, Hon. G. O. Deise, Hon J. W. 
Quiggle and James M. Deise received their early education 
in this school house. Wayne township has now four 
schools, with an average term of six months. 

Among her early and prominent citizens, were the fol- 
lowing: Hon. G. O. Deise, attorney at law, who served as 
District Attorney of Clinton county from 1859 to 1865, 
and as representative (or two terms. He died in 1873 at 
the age of thirty-six years; and James M. Deise, a brother 
of G. O. Deise, also a lawyer, who served three terms as 
District Attorney of Clinton county. He died in 1879 at 
the age of thirty-nine years. 

Hon. James W. Quiggle, father of Hon. Jas. C. Quiggle, 
who was a» prominent lawyer and politician, was the first 
commissioners' clerk of Clinton county. He was for several 
years associated with Allison White in the legal profession. 
He was Deputy Attorney General for four terms by ap- 
pointment, and when the office became an elective one, he 
was elected by a large majority. He was elected State 
Senator in 1852, for the district composed of Clinton, Cen- 
tre, Lycoming and Sullivan counties. Hon. C. A. Mayer 
read law with him, and for a time they were partners, practic- 
ing under the firm name of Quiggle & Mayer. In 1856 
he removed to Philadelphia, where he was engaged in bank- 
ing and real estate business until appointed by President 
Buchanan as United States Consul to Antwerp, Belgium, in 
1859, He held the position three years, then, after a sea- 
son spent in travel, returned to his home, where he died. 

Hon. James Chatham, who was born in Wayne town- 



g2 PAST AND Present of clinton county. 

ship in 1 8 14, received the rudiments of his education in the 
old school house before mentioned ; was a shoemaker by 
trade, and followed that occupation for seven years. For 
about twenty years he acted as river pilot between Lock 
Haven and Marietta. In 1848 he was elected sheriff of 
Clinton county. At the age of forty years he began the 
study of law with Hon. C. A. Mayer, and was admitted to 
the bar two years later. In 1861 he was elected to the 
Legislature, and afterwards twice received the nomination 
of his party for State Senator and once for Congress. For 
several years he was United States Commissioner for Clin- 
ton county in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The 
Chatham family came from near Milton, Pa. Colonel John 
Chatham owned land and erected a mill on "Chatham's run" 
at a very early day. His daughter, Susan, married Judge 
John Fleming, who died in 18 17. Colonel Chatham was 
grandfather of Hon. James Chatham. 

Wayne township is the seat of the West Branch camp 
meeting association grounds. These grounds were located 
on the banks of the McElhattan, The place was built up 
and greatly improved. Hundreds of tents and cottages 
were built. The grounds were laid out in streets and 
avenues, which were kept in the best of condition by the 
association. The place became quite popular as a summer 
resort. The June flood of 1889 swept away nearly every 
vestige of improvement, and damaged the grounds to such 
an extent that they were abandoned. The stock of the Asso- 
ciation was held by members of the Methodist church, and 
the grounds were under their control. 

The township is also the seat of the Pine Station camp 
meeting association grounds, which are located on Love's 
run, three-fourths of a mile from the Philadelphia & Erie 
railroad. The stock of this association is nearly all held 
by members of the Evangelical association, and the meet- 
ings held each year are under their control. The grounds 
are beautifully located and well supplied with pure water. 
They are becoming quite popular as a place to spend the 
hot months of summer. Numerous and expensive im- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 93 

provements have been made to the place, and the associa- 
tion is at present in a very flourishing condition. 

WOODWARD TOWNSHIP. 

This township is located on the north side of the West 
Branch, opposite Lock Haven. It is bounded on the south 
by the river, on the west by Colebrook, on the north by 
Gallauher, and on the east by Dunnstable, and is about four 
by five miles in extent. It was organized in 1841, and 
named in honor of Hon. George W. Woodward, then Presi- 
dent Judge of the district. In 1844 a portion of Dunnstable 
was annexed to the township, and in 1853 a part of Cole- 
brook was added, so that now its area is considerably greater 
than when it was formed. The township is hilly and con- 
tains very little level land, with the exception of several 
hundred acres along the river. The soil is productive and 
especially adapted to fruit raising, and favorable to the 
production of grass, grain, etc. 

The pioneer settlements of the township were made upon 
the present sites of Lockport and Dunnstown. The history 
of these villages will be given in their proper places. 

The river flats of this township seem to have been a re- 
sort for the Indians. History tells us that at one time an 
Indian town stood where Dunnstown now stands; another 
called Pattersontown was located opposite the mouth of 
Chatham's run. The next most important one was located 
on the level bottom, a short distance above Lockport, and 
belonged to the Monseys. Traces of their village were 
perceptible long after the arrival of the whites. The place 
is known to this day by the name of " Monseytown flats." 

Upon the farm of Isaac A. Packer have been found the 
bones of two Indians buried in the soil. In the mouth of 
one of the skeletons there was a well preserved clay pipe, 
which is now in the possession of Mr. Packer. 

In the spring of 1825 John P'eller, John Witchey and 
Nicholas Ginter came from Switzerland and moved into 
what is now the " German settlement," then a dreary wilder- 



94 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

ness, without a house or hut or even a road. J. Feller built 
the first house, or rather log hut, in the settlement. Mr. 
Feller and seventeen men cut and hauled the logs, put up 
the house, split the boards, put on the roof and put in the 
windows all in one day. The next day Mr. Feller and fam- 
ily moved into their house. J. Witchey and N. Ginter put 
up houses soon after and began to clear up small patches 
for gardens, pasture, etc. This was all done without the 
aid of a team. Within ten years quite a number of people 
came from the " Faderland;" among whom were the Swopes, 
Probsts, Shoemakers and Wenkers. 

The first school house was built in 1841. The first 
teacher was William Riley. The school house was after- 
wards remodeled and changed into an Evangelical church, 
and used for that purpose until 1869, when the new church 
was built. Woodward now has six schools, with an average 
term of six months. 

The commissioners of Clinton county conferred a boon 
on the citizens of Woodward township when they purchased 
the river bridge and made it a county institution. 




JWRcIOR (JOHN WYNNE, 
Mayor, Lock Haven, Pa. 



LOCK HAVEN. 

LOCK HAVEN was so named on account of the lock in 
the West Branch canal at this place, and on account o* 
the liat'bor or haven for rafts in the river in front of the 
town. 

The tract of land upon which the city was originally laid 
out v/as part of what was known as the Dr. Francis Allison 
tract, which was sold by him to John Fleming, who located 
on the lower end of it in 1773. At the death of John 
Fleming in 1777, according to his will, the estate was 
divided among his heirs. The portion which forms the 
"Point," as it was called, between the river and Bald Eagle 
creek, was surveyed to Joseph Fleming. The next tract 
was surveyed to Rosanna, who had married a Jamison, 
and afterwards a man named Graham; the next tract to 
Robert, the next to John, the next to Ezekiel, the next to 
Mary Lowery, and the next to Elizabeth McCormick. 
Joseph Fleming sold his share to Robert McCormick, who 
had married Fleming's sister. John and Joseph Fleming 
sold their interests to Joseph Hunt, and Ezekiel sold his to 
Jacob Cook. In 1800 Dr. John Henderson, of Huntington, 
married Margaret Jamison, a daughter of Rosanna, and 
through her came into possession of the tract that had been 
surveyed to her uncle, Robert Fleming, which consisted of 
200 acres, upon whicli the town of Lock Haven was 
originally laid out. This farm was purchased from Dr. 
John Henderson, who resided at Huntington, Pa., by two 
brothers, Jeremiah and Willard Church, and cost the said 
purchasers the sum of ^20,000, or ^100 per acre. The 
purchase was effected in October, 1833. and the plot of 
the town at once laid out. As it existed at that time, it 
consisted of 160 lots, with a front of 1,500 feet along the 
river, and extending back to where the Philadelphia & Erie 



96 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

railroad is now located. The plot was bounded on the west 
by what was known as Sarah's alley, which extends from 
Water to Main street, between the present residences of 
Jacob Rinn and W. P. Mitchell, on Water street, and the 
residence of Dr. Shoemaker and the tailor shop of T. Homer 
Ross, on Main street, being the alley upon which the Irvin 
House stable is situated. On the east the plot was bounded 
by what is now known as Hanna street, at that time called 
Hanna alley. The names of the original streets were never 
changed. The first one along the river was called Water, 
the second one running parallel to it Main, the next one 
Church, in honor of the founder, and the fourth and last, 
Bald Eagle, after the creek and mountains beyond. These 
four streets were crossed at right angles by Washington, 
Henderson and Jay streets, and bounded on the east and 
west by the above mentioned alleys. The following sketch, 
taken from tht life of Jerry Church, in which he alludes to 
the purchase of Lock Haven, we give in his own words: 

"After I arrived at New Cumberland, where my brother 
Robert lived at that time, and had stayed a few days to rest 
myself, I went up the West Branch to a place called Milton- 
I there found a younger brother, by the name of Willard 
Church, who had come down from the State of New 
York into the Old Keystone State to try his fortune, and 
who said he was ready for anything that presented itself 
that he could do without capital. He told me he knew of 
a splendid place for a town if he could get the land. He 
said it was located at the head of the West Branch canal 
on the pool of the Dunnstown dam. He also said that the 
canal ran through the farm we must purchase. I asked 
him how much he thought the land worth per acre. He 
said he thought it would be worth one hundred and fifty 
dollars per acre for as much as we would want for a town, 
which would be about fifty acres. I told him that would 
be a beautiful price to pay, particularly when we had so 
little money. He told me that if I would go with him and 
look at the land and make the purchase, he would risk his 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 97 

capital at any rate. I concluded that I would go up and 
view the place. So we got aboard of the stage and went 
to Williamsport, and from thence to Dunnstown, twenty- 
eight miles above, crossed the river at that place and went 
up about one mile on the opposite side, and put up with a 
man named Devling, who lived on a farm as a tenant. The 
farm belonged to Dr. John Henderson, who lived at Hunt- 
ington, Pa., and there were two hundred acres in the tract. 
We took a walk over the premises and found it to be a de- 
lightful spot; beautifully located between two rivers, the 
Susquehanna and the Bald Eagle, and the scenery nature 
had formed around it could not be excelled in the State. I 
stood and looked at it with delight, and told my brother we 
must have it in some way. We then left the place and 
went down to Williamsport. There I met a gentleman, 
lawyer, with whom I had been acquainted for some time, 
and I told him what I had been viewing up at, or near, the 
'Big Island.' I also told him I would like to purchase 
the farm if I knew where to get the money, and told him 
that I intended to lay out a town on it if I could make the 
purchase. He said he thought the money could be got, 
and he would be willing to be a private partner — what I 
would call a sleeping partner. He proposed to put in one- 
third of the purchase money, and gave me a letter to Dr. 
Henderson to that effect. I then left Williamsport and went 
to Huntington to see the old doctor. When I arrived there 
I called upon him and introduced myself, and handed him 
the letter the lawyer had given me at Williamsport. That 
informed him what my business was. He replied that it 
seemed by the letter that I wanted to purchase his farm at 
Big Island, or a part of it at least. I told him that was my 
intention if wc could agree. He then said he would not 
sell a part. If he sold any it must be the whole tract, and 
that he had his price set, and it could not be changed. I 
asked him what his price was. He said ^20,000, and not. 
one cent less. I told him that was a beautiful price to pay 
for one farm. 



98 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

However, I said I had made up my mind to give him 
;^ 1 8,000 if I could make the payments to suit him. I told 
him I was not rich, and had not the money in hand. He, 
however, insisted that his mind was made up and could not 
be changed. So I told him I would close the bargain if 
my payments suited him. He then asked how I wanted to 
make them. I told him I would pay ;^5,ooo down, when I 
took possession of the farm, and the balance in two years. 
He said that would do, but he could not give me possession 
until April, 1834. This was in October, 1833. I gave the 
old doctor a fifty dollar bill to bind the bargain, and then 
went to a lawyer's office and had our bonds made by a 
gentleman by the name of Steel — a very honest man, con- 
sidering all things. 

After we had all our writings finished, and had taken a 
few glasses of" old rye," we got aboard of the stage and went 
to Bellefonte, and from there down the river to the property. 
The old doctor went with me to give the tenant notice that 
he must leave by the first of April, as the property was to 
pass into other hands; that he had sold the farm to Jere- 
miah and Willard Church. I got permission of the worthy 
doctor and the tenant to plot out a town on paper and to 
make a sale, if we thought proper, immediately, and give 
our titles and possession on the first day of April. We did 
so, and called the town Lock Haven. We had a public 
sale on the 4th of November, 1833, and sold a number of 
lots, receiving ten per cent, of the purchase money at the 
time and the balance on the first of April. That was the 
time we were bound to meet our old friend the doctor, and 
I knew by the cut of his jib that he would be on the ground 
at the proper time. 

I then called upon my sleeping partner for his share of 
the purchase money, but I could not wake him up for any 
part of it. He sent me his resignation in writing, stating 
that he had changed his mind on the subject, and could not 
put up the money, and wished to be excused from any 
further liability. A beautiful note to write at that stage of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 99 

the game. However, I told my brother we must try to 
make the payment ourselves; that we had gone too far 
with it to back out. I told him he must watch while I 
would pray. I said I would go to Williamsport and try 
to raise the money to meet the doctor on the first of April, 
which was fast drawing near. I was very doubtful at this 
time whether we could meet our engagements or not. Ac- 
cordingly I went to Williamsport, and there met a gentle- 
man who had the money. I told him I wanted $3,000 for 
a few weeks, and would give him S500 for the use of it, and 
he let me have the money. I was very thankful for the 
accommodation, for it saved my credit at the time, and that 
was worth more than $500 to me. In this way we made 
our first payment. Then we made all the sales we could of 
town lots, and the back land we sold to a gentleman from 
Chester county, by the name of James Jefferies. He paid 
us ;^9,ooo at one time, and this saved us the second time 
with the doctor. 

About this time my brother Willard married a lady who 
resided near Milton. His wife had an interest in a store 
with her brother, Robert Montgomery. Of course my 
brother became a partner in the store as large as life. They 
concluded they would move their store to our new town of 
Lock Haven, and did so; but it did not last long; they broke 
up the first year, as they lived too fast for their income. The 
sheriff called on them to show cause why they did not pay for 
their goods. They could not show any reasonable cause, 
only they did not have the money. So the sheriff seized 
their goods and sold them for what he could get, and turned 
them out to the mercy of the cold world. My brother had 
all his interest in the town of Lock Haven sold for his debts, 
together with his dear brother-in-law's share, and they were 
left even with the world once more. My brother then left 
our new town and went West — to the State of Missouri — and 
settled down with his family. I then undertook to manage 
the town of Lock Haven myself I had to be all the society 
there was at that time in town, as my sleeping partners had 



lOO PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

all left me. If there was any music to be played I had to 
be a full band myself, as there was no one to help me." 

The circumstances attending the origin of Lock Haven 
were such as to render it an absolute necessity, and it did 
not take the shrewd Jerry Church long to discover this 
fact after he had once viewed the location. The opening 
of the West Branch canal, and its extension to Bellefonte, 
at once brought an influx of strangers to the new town, 
which created a demand for business places of different 
kinds. Hotels became necessary to accommodate the 
numerous workmen employed on the canal and strangers 
constantly arriving m the new town. Stores were needed 
to furnish the boatmen and others with suppplies, and noth- 
ing less than some dreadful calamity could have prevented 
the springing up and developing of a flourishing town where 
Lock Haven now stands. Just what would have become of 
Jerry Church's embryo city had the flood gates of heaven 
poured upon its sacred site such a deluge of water as swept 
over it just fifty-five years later, is a matter of conjecture, 
but we doubt if even the sanguine and determined Jerry 
himself would have felt much like founding a town on a 
spot so subject to the caprices and whims of the Susque- 
hanna. But such a calamity did not occur at that time, 
and a healthful climate, a fertile and productive soil, grand 
and romantic scenery, pure air and water, all conspired to 
render the location a desirable one, and it is doubtful if an- 
other such a site, for a large city, could have been found 
"Cvithin the limits of the Keystone State. If the town of 
Lock Haven received a vigorous and healthy start by the 
building of the West Branch canal, she acquired a greater 
ten years after when the "old court house" was built, making 
Lock Haven the county seat, which clothed it with an im- 
portance that it would not otherwise have possessed. It thus 
became not only the social and political centre of an intel- 
ligent and prosperous community, but it also became the 
most important business point within a radius of many 
miles. In alluding to the selection of Lock Haven as the 
f ounty seat, Church says : 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. lOI 

"We had three commissioners appointed to locate the 
county seat. They were Colonel Cresswell, Major Colt 
and Joseph Brestel. These gentlemen met, and after view- 
ing the different places that were offered for the county 
seat, found there were none of them to be compared with 
Lock Haven, so they made up their minds that Lock Ha- 
ven should be the place, and they selected the square for 
the public buildings. 

My friend Moorehead was displeased with the location, 
and had a special law passed, allowing the commissioners to 
alter the location, for his own interest and others, without 
my knowledge, and offered a bonus to the county to have 
it moved into another part of the town. But it would not do. 
The people sustained me, and the square I had located in 
the first place was retained. We went on and built the 
court house, as good a one, perhaps, as any in Northern 
Pennsylvania. »The inhabitants numbered about 700 at this 
time, viz., in 1844. Ten years before there was but one 
house and probably about a dozen inhabitants. Now 
(1845) it is a beautiful village and a place of considerable 
business. It has seven retail stores and groceries, one drug 
store, two candy shops, three preachers, two meeting 
houses (and one Jerry Church), six lawyers, two doctors and 
two justices of the peace; the balance of the inhabitants are 
what I call a fair community." 

The principal business places in Lock Haven at the time 
of which Jerry Church writes were those of Moorehead & 
Irwin, Graffius & Jefferies and John Reed, dealers in dry 
goods, groceries, etc.; Alexander Sloan, stoves and tinware; 
John F. Sloan and Adam Kemmerdiner, furniture; J. Bow- 
ers, boots and shoes; Gustave Shultz, clocks and watches; 
A. J. Johnson, drugs and medicines ; Thomas Walton, livery 
stable; White & Knecht, blacksmithing. Among the law- 
yers at this early day were L. A. Mackey and H. T. Beards- 
ley. J. W. Eldred, M. D., was one of the two doctors 
mentioned. The two justices of the peace were Robert 
Irwin and John Harlan. 



102 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

After the building of the court house the next important 
event in the history of the town was the construction of the 
West Branch boom in 1849. The boom company, which 
was chartered in 1849, had for its first officers O. Richard, 
President; L. A. Mackey, Secretary and Treasurer. From 
this period the rapid growth of Lock Haven commenced. 
Property doubled, trebled and even quadrupled in value. 
Soon the fields were dotted with houses and the streets filled 
with an industrious, energetic and prosperous population. 

The completion of the Sunbury & Erie railroad to Lock 
Haven in 1859 was another important event in the history 
of the town. The building of this road placed Lock Haven 
in direct and easy communication with the principal and 
commercial cities of the country, which at once gave the 
community advantages and facilities, which greatly added 
to its growth and increased its prosperity. 

Lock Haven is not regularly laid out; that is, the streets 
do not, as a general thing, intersect or cross each other at 
right angles. Had the original plans of Jerry Church been 
carried out by those who made the subsequent additions to 
the town, some of its streets would now present a very dif- 
ferent appearance. 

At one time the most important, and in fact the only busi- 
ness, street in Lock Haven was Water street. In 1838 we 
find the following buildings and business places upon that 
thoroughfare : Beginning at the west end of the street, or 
what was generally called the upper end, we find the resi- 
dence of Willard Church, brother of Jerry, on the site now 
occupied by the residence of Jacob Rinn. Jared Irwin 
owned the building which stood on the site now occupied 
by the residence of Judge Smith. The store of Moorehead 
& Irwin occupied the site upon which the Court House 
now stands. Then came the Washington House, built upon 
the first lot sold by Jerry Church, from his original plot, 
being the corner lot upon which "The Hotel Meitzler" now 
stands. The landlord of the Washington House at that 
time was J. P. Huling. He also managed the Lock Haven 




S. lA. McCORiWICK, ESQ. 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. IO3 

side of the first ferry that was built across the river from 
Lock Haven to Lockport. Between the Washington House 
and the canal was the canal collector's office. The first 
building east of the canal was a tenement house occupied 
by Daniel Brown. The blacksmith shop of Bartles Ely 
came next. Then the residence of Mrs. Devling, widow of 
John Devling. The Mrs. Devling dwelling stood on the 
site now occupied by the "Hunt residence." The next was 
the S. D. Ball residence, formerly used as a hotel. Then 
came the tenement house belonging to the Henderson farm. 
It was a log building, and stood on the site now occupied 
by the "Beardsley residence." Matthew Thompson had a 
dwelling erected on the site at a later day. 

In 1838 J. and A. Graffius, father and uncle of Joseph 
Graffius, ex-city treasurer of Lock Haven, opened a store 
between the present residence of Joseph Graffius and the 
L. A. Mackey residence, now occupied by Dr. F. P. Ball. 
A man named Caldwell had a store at that time on the 
exact site now occupied by the Graffius dwelling. A store 
owned by Daniel Sanderson stood next to the Caldwell 
store. The building used for this store stood upon posts. 
These were not only all the business places, but actually all 
the buildings that stood on Water street at that time. The 
business places located on the street in 1844 we have 
already mentioned. On Main street at that early date there 
were but three dwellings, all of which stood near the canal. 
The above constituted all the buildings that stood within 
the limits of the town proper. 

Alexander Mahon at that time kept a hotel in the house 
now occupied as a residence by Patrick Prendible, situated 
at the corner of Bellefonte avenue and Jones street. The 
building was erected by Mr. Mahon, and was one of the 
largest hotels for miles around, and a very popular resort 
for travelers. 

Several other buildings were located on Clinton avenue 
previous to 1835, and the farm buildings belonging to the 
property of Jacob Graffius stood near the site now occupied 



104 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

by the Eagle Hotel. The above mentioned buildings were 
all that stood on the present site of Lock Haven previous 
to 184O. The old Clinton House, which stood for years on 
the present site of the Court House, was a very popular 
resort in its day. The wharf, where the packet boats un- 
loaded their passengers, being just opposite, made it a con- 
venient stopping place. This house was burned by the fire 
of '62. 

The first dwelling house erected on the present territory 
of Lock Haven was the one built on the Henderson farm. 
It was a log structure which stood on the site of the Beards- 
ley residence, on Water street. At the time Jerry and 
Willard Church purchased the Henderson farm, this house 
was occupied by Roger Devling, a native of Ireland, who 
lived on the farm as a tenant. The present residence of 
S. D. Ball was the second house erected within the original 
territory of Lock Haven. In the Ball residence, John Dev- 
ling, a son of Roger Devling, kept hotel for a number of 
years. The old tavern was afterwards remodeled, and to- 
day it is one of the most beautiful homes in Lock Haven, 

The first means of transportation between Lock Haven 
and Dunnstown was a "Ferry," which was established in 
1838. It extended across the river just below where the 
covered bridge now stands. J. P. Huling, then proprietor 
of the Washington House, had charge of the Lock Haven 
side, and Judge Hanna, of Lockport, managed the opposite 
side. This ferry was quite a benefit to the early settlers of 
the county, and was a paying institution. 

Water street, previous to 1834, was the only public high- 
way entering Lock Haven from the east. The road ran 
along the river bank until near where the Fallon House now 
stands; there it turned to the left,pa.ssed through the square 
upon which the Exchange building is now located, and then 
struck the line of Clinton avenue. The pioneer tavern along 
this highway was a small structure kept by John Myers. 
It was located on the banks of the river below the dam, 
near the spot where the residence of Mrs. Nancy Myers is 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. IO5 

now located. It was the stopping place for travelers coming 
from the east, and its proprietor did a thriving business. 

The territory embraced in what is now Lock Haven, and 
also that embraced in Allison township, was originally 
called "Old Town," probably because it had been partly 
settled prior to the Revolution. In fact the name "Old 
Town" was applied to the whole Allison tract. 

The pioneer settler of what is now Lock Haven was 
Clarey Campbell, who came to this section just previous to 
1769, and located on lands that had been previously sur- 
veyed to William Glass. His log cabin was located at what 
is now the corner of Main .street and Susquehanna avenue, 
about where the green house of E. W. Carlson now .stands. 
His title to the land was not good, and he was compelled to 
leave. He went from here to Centre county, where he 
located on a tract of land on the top of Muncy mountain, 
within eight miles of Bellefonte. The tract taken up by 
Campbell is now known as the "Perdue Farm." He after- 
wards removed to Howard, Centre county, where he died in 
1809. 

William Reed, who came to the present site of Lock 
Haven in 1773, was probably one of the earliest settlers who 
located on the land purchased by Jerry Church. His cabin 
was constructed of hewn logs, and was located near or per- 
haps on the site of the Hotel Meitzler. The cabin was sur- 
rounded by a strong stockade, and was known as "Reed's 
Fort." 

This fort was commanded by Colonel Cooksey Long. It 
was the last of a chain of stockades extending along the 
West Branch from Sunbury, and was consequently a very 
important point. Being located on the very border of civil- 
ization, it was the first one attacked by the Indians in their 
descent upon the settlements of the West Branch valley. 
During the year 1778 the Indians killed a number of set- 
tlers, and the people, becoming alarmed, decided to evacuate 
"Reed's Fort" and go to Fort Augusta, (now Sunbury) for 
protection. 



I06 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

After peace was declared, in 1783, most of the old settlers 
returned to their homes, and many new families also came 
to this section and settled upon the land between the river 
and Bald Eagle creek, and by the beginning of 1800 quite a 
settlement had sprung up. 

Joseph Hunt, who was also a pioneer settler of "Old 
Town," came here in 1790. He erected the farm buildings 
previously mentioned that .stood near the present site of the 
Eagle Hotel. Here he resided until his death, in 1804. Dr. 
Joseph Hunt, a grandson of this pioneer .settler, was a suc- 
cessful an4 prominent physician of Lock Haven for many 
years. 

David Lusk,who came to this section in 1806, purchased 
and located on the "Glass Tract." His farm house stood 
near the site of the Petrekin mansion, now the property of 
the Lock Haven Normal school, and located on Fairview 
street. He had two sons who occupied the property after 
the death of their father. 

Andrew Irwin came from Northumberland county in 
1 8 10, and located on what is now the Bloom Dairy farm. 
He was the father of G. G. and Robert Irwin, both deceased. 

The Carskaddons were prominently connected with the 
early history of Lock Haven. James Carskaddon, the 
pioneer member of the family, came to "Old Town" in 1794. 
He located on what is known as the Thomas Bridgens prop- 
erty, above the canal. 

Lock Haven was incorporated as a borough by an Act 
of Assembly, approved April 25th, 1840. 

There were many causes for the rapid growth of Lock 
Haven: Its selection as the county seat, the building of the 
Court House in 1844, the extension of the We.st Branch 
canal to Bellefonte in 1848, the building of the West Branch 
boom in 1849, the construction of the Sunbury & Erie rail- 
road in 1859, the building of the Bald Eagle railroad in 
1864, each contributed greatly to the prosperity of the town ; 
and so rapidly did it increase in wealth and population that 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. IO7 

the narrow confines of a borough could no longer contain 
the people. An Act of Assembly was passed and approved 
March 28th, 1870, making Lock Haven a city. At that 
time the borough of Flemington was included in the city 
proper, but July 15th, 1878, by an order of the Court, Flem- 
ington was detached from Lock Haven and put back into 
Allison township, but as yet it has not been recreated into 
a borough, although an effort is being made in that direc- 
tion at the present time. When Flemington belonged to 
the city, it was called the Fifth ward of Lock Haven. 

GREAT ISLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The religious privileges of the early settlers of "Old 
Town" were exceedingly limited. The first meeting house 
in the vicinity was built of logs, in the year 1792. It was 
located in the Great Island cemetery on Bellefonte avenue. 
The land was donated by John Fleming. As a majority of 
the settlers were Presbyterians, the church was built under 
the auspices of that denomination. Probably the first min- 
ister who ever preached within the bounds of the Great 
Island church was Rev. Kinkaid,who held religious services 
in the dwellings of the settlers before the church was built. 
He left at the time of the "Big Runaway," which occurred 
in 1778. He never returned, and history does not chronicle 
anything further concerning him. Rev. Dr. Nesbitt, present 
pastor of the Great Island Presbyterian church, has in his 
possession a subscription paper, showing the provision that 
was made by the members of the said church in 1787, for 
the support of the gospel for a single year. The heading of 
the paper is as follows : "We, the subscribers, do promise 
to deliver at the house of Robert F'leming, or David Han- 
nah, the quantity of wheat, rye and corn that is annexed to 
each of our names, on or before 'the first day of February 
next. We do also constitute and appoint David Lusk, 
- William Reed, Sr. and James Rodgers, to make sale of said 
grain in whatever manner they shall think proper; and ap- 
propriate the money that arises from the sale of said grain 
to the use of paying the Presbyterian ministers that come 



I08 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

to preach the ensuing year. In witness whereof, we have 
hereunto set our hands this first day of December, A. D. 
1787." Following this heading were forty-three names, 
and opposite the names the quantity of wheat, corn or rye, 
which they contributed. The name of the minister re- 
ceiving the value of the contributions is not mentioned. 
The church building in Great Island cemetery was still 
standing in 1850, but for many years had not been occupied 
except on funeral occasions. It was finally sold and torn 
down, much to the regret of many of the older people of the 
congregation, to whom the old church was very dear. 

The Great Island congregation worshiped for several 
years in the old Academy building, which stood near the 
corner now occupied by the Exchange building, and at a 
later period they rented what was called the old Methodist 
church, that stood below the canal on Church street. 

What is now the German Lutheran church, located below 
the canal on Water street, was erected by the Presbyterian 
congregation previous to 1850, and was sold by them to the 
above named congregation in 1863. Arrangements were 
at once made for building a church structure of more pre- 
tentious appearance in a more convenient location. The 
progress of the rebellion, and the high price of material and 
labor, caused considerable delay in the work of building, 
and it was not until July, 1865, that the chapel of the 
present structure on Water street was completed and dedi- 
cated. The church edifice proper was not finished until 
December i, 1872, when it was occupied by the congrega- 
tion for the first time. The cost of the present structure, 
including grounds, was over $40,000. 

Religious services were held at one time in a grove of 
oak trees, that stood near the residence of D. F. Good, on 
Fairview street. One of the trees is still standing, and an- 
other was cut down only a few months ago; it stood just 
at the end of the east wing of the Normal school building. 
The minister who preached under these forest monarchs, 
over a century ago, was named Johnston. We are not pre- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. IO9 

pared to state how often this pioneer divine preached to 
his flock in this grove, but it is recorded that at one time 
he tarried there for a season. 

The first regularly ordained and installed minister, who 
took charge of the Great Island congregation, was Rev. 
Isaac Grier. He was installed as pastor of the churches of 
Lycoming, Pine Creek and Great Island. He performed 
his duty faithfully for twelve years; when he resigned and 
moved to Northumberland, where he conducted an acad- 
emy for a time. 

After a vacancy of eight years the churches of Great 
Island and Pine Creek extended a call to the Rev. John H. 
Grier. His pastorate began Sept. 6th, 1814, and lasted until 
1827. 

Rev. John H. Grier was succeeded by Daniel M. Barber, 
who, in his turn, was succeeded by Rev. Alexander Boyd. 
Rev. Boyd's pastorate lasted from April, 1838, until August, 
1 844. The next pastor after Rev. Boyd was Rev. Slater C. 
Hepburn. The Mill Hall church had been erected a short 
time previous to 1844, ^^i^l was within the bounds of the 
Great Island Congregation. Rev. Hepburn was ordained 
and installed pastor of the Great Island congregation Janu- 
ary 2 1st, 1845. His connection with the Great Island 
church was dissolved June iith, 1850. It was during the 
early part of Rev. Hepburn's ministry that the congregation 
worshipped in the old Academy building. 

The next pastor to receive a call from the Great Island 
church was Rev. S. A. Gayley. He was installed June 3d, 
185 1. Between the years 1855 and 1856 the Mill Hall 
church was set off as a separate charge, under the name of 
"Bald Eagle and Nittany," and the Rev. Henry L. Doolittle 
became pastor of the said charge. 

The Lock Haven church then called the Rev. James H. 
Baird, who was ordained and installed May 6th, 1857. His 
relation with this church was dissolved by the Presbytery 
October 21st, 1859. 



110 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Rev. Joseph Nesbitt, the present pastor, was installed 
May 2d, i860. At his installation Rev. Henry Doolittle 
presided. Dr. J. W. Yeomans, of Danville, preached the 
sermon, and Dr. J. C. Watson, of Milton, delivered the 
charges to pastor and people. The present Board of Trus- 
tees of the church are Gen. Jesse Merrill, Wilson Kistler, 
H. T. Harvey, J. W. Bridgens, Joseph Graffius and Dr. R. 
B. Watson. 

Rev. Dr. Joseph Nesbitt has faithfully served the congre- 
gation since i860. Within the past few years his health 
has failed him, and during a part of the time his pulpit has 
been filled by other ministers. During the winter of 
1 89 1 -'92 he visited the sunny South, and in June, 1892, left 
for Scotland, his native land, where he is sojourning at 
present among the scenes and companions of his early 
youth. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LOCK HAVEN. 

Early in the year 1790 it was found that west of the 
Broad mountains, and north of the Juniata valley, there was 
no ministerial work of any kind by the Methodist Episcopal 
church. In that year Richard Purriott without asking or 
receiving any remuneration of any kind, explored the 
country toward the middle and north part of the State of 
Pennsylvania. On the 6th day of May, 1791, the conference, 
held at the town of Baltimore formed, a new circuit called 
Northumberland, and Richard Purriott and Lewis Brown- 
ing were appointed preachers. The circuit extended from 
Wilkes-Barre, via Northumberland and Lycoming, and Bald 
Eagle, to Potter's Fort, in Penns valley, and returned through 
Buffalo valley. This circuit nas-sed through a number of 
charges, and was connected with different districts and con- 
ferences. In 1801 the field was divided into regular and 
fixed districts, and embraced in the Philadelphia district. In 
1806 the circuit was divided at Northumberland, and called 
Lycoming. In i8o8-'o9 in Philadelphia conference. From 
1 8 10 to 1 8 19 the general conference. In 1825 a new circuit 
was set off from the West Branch at the Great Island west- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. Ill 

ward, and called Bald Eagle. In 1828 the name was 
changed to Bellefonte. In 1833 a local preacher, a weaver 
by occupation, held services in the house of Peter Poorman, 
who then lived in what was known as the "Red House," 
standing on Water street, a little below the dam, (this 
house is still standing,) and here services were kept up until 
1839. When regular circuit preachers occupied Lock 
Haven, and held services in a school house that stood at 
the lower end of town, near where the First ward school 
house now stands, the circuit at that time embraced Belle- 
fonte, Stormstown, Boalsburg, Millheim, Kettle Creek, 
Young Womanstown and Lock Haven. The preachers 
for 1839 were Rev. T. Taneyhill and G. Berkstresser. 

The first society was formed by William Butler in 1840. 
S. V. Blake was his associate. For a time the congregation 
continued to worship in the school house. They then re- 
moved to the "Old Court House," and afterwards to the 
"Old Academy," corner of Main and Vesper streets. This 
continued until 1843, when they completed a church of 
their own on Church street, just below the canal, which was 
dedicated June 3d, 1843, by Rev. George D. Hildt, presiding 
elder of the district. Messrs. Simmons, Bittner and Gif- 
ford were the building committee. F. M. Mills and W. D. 
T. Clemm, preachers in charge. After occupying the new 
church for a few years, there was considerable dissatis- 
faction with regard to its location, and finally it was decided 
to sell the property and erect another church on a more 
eligible site. For some time after the sale of their church, 
the congregation worshipped in the Academy building and 
in the old Court House. During the year 1855 it was de- 
cided by the congregation to build another church of their 
own; accordingly a lot was purchased on Main street, just 
north of Clinton avenue, and the work of building a house 
of worship was actively commenced. The new church was 
completed and dedicated in May, 1856, by Rev. Henry 
Slicer, of Baltimore, assisted by Rev. Dr. Thomas Bowman, 
now bishop, and the Revs. Wilbur Downs and Alem Brittian. 
The cost of this church and lot was about ;^7,ooo. 



112 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

At the session of conference held in 1861, Lock Haven 
was made an independent station, and in 1863 the society- 
built a parsonage adjoining the church, and it is now occu- 
pied by the pastor. 

After becoming a separate station, the Lock Haven church 
rapidly increased in strength and importance, and soon be- 
came recognized as one of the leading denominations in the 
city. Large accessions were made to its membership every 
year, until finally it was found necessary to procure a larger 
house. Therefore, a lot was purchased on the corner of 
Main and Second streets, at a cost of ;^3,ooo, and the large 
and Ijeautiful structure now occupied by the congregation 
was built. The entire cost of lot and building was $40,000, 
and it was dedicated February 18th, 1872, by the Rev. Dr. 
Sims. 

The following are the preachers and time of service of 
each since Revs. Butler and Blake, in 1840: 

In 1 84 1 William Butler and Elisha Owens were the 
preachers; F. M. Mills and W. D. T. Clemm in 1842. F. 
M. Mills and Ephraim McCollum in 1843. 

In 1844 Bellefonte circuit was divided at a point in Nit- 
tany valley, three miles below or east of Washington Fur- 
nace, and Bald Eagle valley at Beech creek, and the new 
circuit was called Lock Haven. This circuit extended up 
the West Branch to Cook's Run and Kettle Creek. This 
year W. R. Mills and John W. Elliott were the preachers 
in charge, and at the end of the conference year they re- 
ported a membership of 275. 

In 1845 Philip B. Reese was in charge, and John Stine 
reported 350 members at the close of his ministry, in 1846. 
He was followed by John W. Haughawaut, who served two 
years — 1847-'48. In 1848 Irwin H. Torrence occupied the 
field, and in 1850 he had as his colleague A. T. Ewing; in 
185 1, Joseph G. McKeehan and H. W. Billman; in 1852, J. 
G. McKeehan and A. G. Marlatt; in 1853, John J. Pearce; 
in i854-'55, Justus A. Melick, in 1856, Alem Brittian and 
Wesley M. Showalter. The church above the avenue was 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. II3 

commenced by Rev, Alem Brittian and completed under 
the ministry of Wilbur Downs, who had charge of the cir- 
cuit two years — 1857-'58. Richard Flinkle served the peo- 
ple of Lock Haven in 1859 and i860. L. M. Gardner was 
next assigned to this point, and it was during his ministry 
— 1 86 1 -'62 — that Lock Haven was made a station. 

D. S. Monroe followed in i863-'64, with B. B. Hamlin as 
presiding elder, and he reported 238 members his last year. 

Samuel Creighton took charge in 1865, and was returned 
two successive years. 

In 1868 M. K. Foster was appointed, and returned in 
1869; reporting, at the close of his work, two hundred and 
seventy-four members. 

Lock Haven was assigned to the Williamsport district in 
1870, with J. W. Langley, pastor, who served two years. 
He reported, at the close of his work, three hundred and 
forty-six members. 

In 1872 the Central Pennsylvania Conference met in 
Lock Haven, and P. Khron was made pastor, serving two 
years, and reporting, at the close of his work, three hun- 
dred and ninety members, 

In 1874 and 1875 S. L. Bowman, who reported four 
hundred and seventy members. 

Samuel Creighton was returned in 1876, and served three 
years; reporting four hundred and sixty-four members. 

W. A. Houck, 1879 to March, 1882, reports three hun- 
dred and fifty-four members for 188 1. 

J. M. Lantz followed W. A. Houck, and at the close of 
his pastorate, March, 1884, reported a membership of two 
hundred and ninety-six. 

Thomas Sherlock succeeded Rev. Lantz, and was re- 
appointed in 1885. While on a visit to Ocean Grove, N. J., 
to recuperate his failing health, he died suddenly Tuesday, 
August 25, 1885. From that time until March, 1886, the 
pulpit was regularly and acceptably supplied by various 
preachers of the Pennsylvania Conference by paying their 



114 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

traveling expenses, thus leaving the salary almost untouched 
for the widow and family of the deceased pastor. The 
Sunday school, class and mid-week services were well 
attended, and at the close of the Conference year reported 
a membership of two hundred and eighty-five. 

H. R. Bender was next sent to Trinity, and served to 
March, 1890, reporting, at the close of his term, four hun- 
dred and sixty-five members. 

During 1890 the electric light was introduced into Trinity. 

When dedicated, the i8th of February, 1872, it was sup- 
posed the entire indebtedness of the new church had been 
provided for; but when Rev. S. Creighton was returned, in 
1876, it was found that a debt of ;^ 14,000 had accumulated; 
;$8,ooo of this was paid during his pastorate. Through the 
liberality of the members and citizens, and the labors of 
Rev. W. A. Houck, who succeeded Rev. Creighton, the 
entire amount of indebtedness was paid, and on the i8th of 
February, 1882, just ten years from day of dedication, the 
deed was delivered to the trustees, and Trinity declared out 
of debt. At this time the trustees were Charles Kreamer, 
George W. Hippie, J. B. G. Kinsloe, J. N. Welliver, W. C. 
Andrews, James C. White, S. A. Newcomer, Alva S. Grow 
and S. T. Stephenson. 

During the pastorate of Rev. H. R. Bender the parson- 
age was remodeled, enlarged and newly furnished; the 
church edifice was newly roofed and painted outside; chairs 
were introduced in the basement; racks and hymn books 
placed in the auditorium, and the same was frescoed, and 
otherwise greatly improved by painting, carpeting, &c. 
New heaters were also placed in the cellar, and the building 
well supplied with radiators. 

The repairs and improvements completed, on Sunday, 
May 22d, 1887, Trinity was re-opened, and, while all the 
former pastors were invited, only Revs. Creighton and 
Houck — the men who had brought Trinity out of her finan- 
cial strait — were present. The collections for the day and 
.evening reached ^3,132. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. II5 

Rev. Bender was succeeded in March, 1890, by Rev. J. 
A. Wood, Jr., who served the church until March, 1892, 
when he was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Black, the present 
pastor. 

Present trustees are G. W. Hippie, Charles Kreamer, J. N. 
Welliver, J. B. G. Kinsloe, Henry Baker, W. F. Satterlee, 
Hiram Mason, A. M. Thomas, H. S. Satterlee, Dr. James 
Eldon. 

Stewards— George W. Hippie, Hiram Mason, Charles 
Kreamer. J. N. Welliver, A. M. Thomas, J. W. C. Floyd, 
John R. Stevenson, Harry E. Fox, H. S. Satterlee, A. S» 
Grow, and E. E. Adams. 

Rev. W. H. Foster is presiding elder at the present time. 

EAST MAIN STREET METHODIST CHURCH. 

On Sunday morning, April nth, 1875, a meeting was 
held in the old Court House, in the First ward of Lock 
Haven, looking to the organization of a Mission Sunday 
school. The object of the meeting was stated by J. B. G. 
Kinsloe, and, after a full and free interchange of opinion, 
Mrs. Gotwalt, Mrs. Walls, Mrs. Deise, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. 
Shearer, Miss Lottie Anthony, Messrs. John S- Ma.son, 
Thomas Frymyre, Thomas Shearer, W. C. Kress and Daniel 
Bittner were appointed a committee to canvass the ward, 
and invite parents and children to meet in the old Court 
House, at 9 o'clock A. M., Sunday, April i8th, 1875, for 
organization. At this meeting between twenty and thirty 
children were present, besides a number of parents. The 
school was organized with J. B. G. Kinsloe as Superin- 
tendent; Thomas Shearer, Secretary; D. B. Clough, Libra- 
rian; John M)'ers, Treasurer; Thomas L. Frymyre, Superin- 
tendent; Mrs. Thomas Shearer, Assistant Superintendent of 
Infant Department, and Miss Lottie Anthony, Organist. 
Mrs. Shearer assumed charge of the infant department in 
1 876, and has had charge ever since.'and John Myers has been 
treasurer of the school ever since its organization in 1875. 
Through the interest and liberality of this gentleman, who 



I 1 6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

is not a member of any church, and the earnest efforts and 
contributions of the friends of the enterprise, the building 
and grounds, now occupied by the congregation, were pur- 
chased. The structure was the one located on Main street, 
originally built for a school house, but for several years 
previous to its purchase by this congregation it had been 
known as the " Belvidere Garden;" a place where Satan 
held high carnival day and night, where drunkenness, de- 
bauchery and gambling were practiced. What a change 
from a houseless, homeless little band of workers. This 
mission school has grown into a well-sustained church or- 
ganization. Prayers, praise and thanksgiving go up to 
heaven from a spot where once the bacchanalian songs were 
sung, and wickedness reigned supreme. 

In March, 1884, the Central Pennsylvania Conference ap- 
pointed Rev. M. B. Crosthwaite pastor of Mill Hall charge, 
which from that time included the new appointment of East 
Main street. 

From November, 1884, to March, 1887, this new appoint- 
ment received preaching once in two weeks. Rev. M. P. 
Crosthwaite serving one year, and Rev. H. F. Cares two 
years. 

In November, 1887, Mill Hall charge was divided, and a 
new charge formed, known as East Lock Haven charge; 
being made up of East Main street congregation and Flem- 
ington congregation. 

The annual Conference, in session at Bellefonte, Novem- 
ber, 1887, appointed the Rev. S. B. Evans to this new 
charge, then numbering thirty-six members at East Main 
street and forty-eight members at Flemington. At the 
present time East Main street membership is one hundred, 
and a list of probationers numbering fifty. An active 
Epvvorth League was organized June, 1890, and at present 
numbers sixty-five members. 

In the fall of 1889 a new and commodious parsonage was 
erected on a lot adjoining the church, at a cost of $2,000, 
and a stable^ at a cost of ;^25o. 



i 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 11/ 

Much credit is due this congregation for the good that 
has been wrought by their untiring labors. It is said that 
the first conversion in the church was on the spot where 
liquor was once sold. The church was started with ten 
members. 

Sketch of S. B. Evans, pastor of East Main Street M. E. 
church : 

The Rev. Simpson Bouse Evans was born at Eagle 
Foundry, Huntingdon county, Pa., December 12th, 1858. 
He was the ninth child and sixth son of Jonathan and Eliz- 
abeth Evans. His boyhood was spent on the farm in 
summer, and attending the country schools in winter. He 
taught seven terms of school in Huntingdon and Bedford 
counties. Mr. E. attended school as a student in Cossville. 
Hopewell, Indiana State Normal and Williamsport Dickin- 
son Seminary, graduating in the classical course in 1885. 
Immediately he went as a supply to preach at Westport, 
Pa. In November, 1886, he joined the Central Pennsyl- 
vania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and 
was re-appointed to Westport. In March, 1877, he was 
appointed pastor of East Lock Haven charge, and re- 
appointed each year, serving the people five consecutive 
years. Mr. Evans was married September 7, 1887, to Miss 
Hannah M. Lincoln, of Laurelton, Pa. 

FOURTH WARD MISSION. 

Through the efforts of Sylvester Stephenson, The Fourth 
ward Mission Sunday school was organized May, 1879, with 
about thirty children, and the election of George T. Michaels 
as superintendent, and Mrs. R. E, Kelly as superintendent 
of the infant department. At this time there was no public 
school building in the Fourth ward, and a house was 
rented on Fairview street, in the vicinity of the paper mill. 
Here they held their meetings until the completion of the 
Fourth ward school building, when, through the courtesy of 
the school board, they were granted the use of a room on 
the first floor. Since its organization the school has pros- 
pered greatly, and now has an average attendance of 125 



Il8 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

scholars. Every year tliere has been conversions and ad- 
ditions to the Trinity M. E. church. 

The Young People's Christian Endeavor Society of the 
M. E. church, of Lock Haven, Pa., was organized by Rev. 
H. R. Bender, pastor of the church, September 5th, 1888. 
The first officers of the society were H. S. Satterlee, Presi- 
dent; John R. Stevenson, Vice President; J. W. C. Floyd, 
Recording Secretary; Miss Lulu Allebach, Corre.sponding 
Secretary; Mrs. K. D. Batcheler, Treasurer, and James 
Snyder, Chorister. The officers lor 1891 were J. W. C. 
Floyd, President; Miss Lizzie Ulp, Vice President; M. E. 
Cheston, Recording Secretary; Miss Mame Welliver, Cor- 
responding Secretary; Mrs. K. D. Batchelor, Treasurer. 
This society started with eighteen members, and now num- 
bers over 1 50 members. 

/. B. G. Kinsloe. 

ST. Paul's protestant episcopal church. 

The chronicles of a country parish cannot be expected to 
furnish an heroic chapter to history. St. Paul's church, 
Lock Haven, began its individual existence in this wise. 
As early as 1775 a clergyman of the Church of England 
had visited this region, and spent the month of June at 
Great Island. It seems that he found the settlers to be 
either Presbyterians or Roman Catholics, and so he failed 
to establish a parish here. Just prior to 1856, the Rev. 
Richard Channing Moore, D. D., had occasionally visited 
the town for the purpose of ministering to those of the taith 
of the Protestant Episcopal church. Also the Rev. D. S. 
Miller, a general missionary from Philadelphia, had held oc- 
casional services. The only church building, which at this 
time had been erected, was the Great Island Presbyterian 
church. 

There was resident in Lock Haven at that time only one 
male communicant of the Episcopal church. Nevertheless, 
there was felt in the community a deep and wide interest in 
the founding of St. Paul's church. 




REY, CHARLES cJAMES WOOD, 



Rector St. Paul-s Episcopal Church, Lock Haven. Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I tg 

At a meeting held in the Clinton Hotel, September 19th, 
1855, and presided over by D. K. Jackman, Esq., the parish 
was organized. Twelve vestrymen were elected to serve 
till the following Easter. It is interesting to read the names 
of these first vestrymen of St. Paul's church. B. R. Pet- 
riken, J. W. Quiggle, Allison White, J. H. Evans, J. W. 
Eldred, Robert Iiwin, C. A. Mayer, H. T. Beardsley, 
William Fearon, Jr., O. D. Satterlee, Charles Blanchard 
and Joseph O. Tracy. 

The Rev. R. C. Moore, of Williamsport, was asked to take 
charge of the parish until a rector could be elected. Mean- 
while Dr. Moore, it was agreed, should devote one-fourth 
of his time to the Lock Haven parish. He held service 
thereafter once a month until July, 1856. On the first Sun- 
day in July, 1856, the Rev. Samuel B. Dalrymple, then in 
deacon's orders, was sent by the Right Rev. Dr. Alonzo 
Potter, to take sole charge of this parish. Services were 
thereupon held by Mr. Dalrymple regularly in Odd Fellows* 
Hall, and efforts to erect a church building were straight- 
way begun. August 3d, 1856, a Sunday school was organ- 
ized with 118 scholars and 16 teachers. The superintend- 
ent 6f the Sunday school was Mr. Joseph O. Tracy. On 
the third Sunday of July, 1857, one year after Mr. Dalrym- 
ple's entrance upon the work of the parish, the first service 
was held in the basement of the new church, on the south 
side of Main street, between Grove and Vesper streets. 
Notwithstanding this is a rocky, mountainous country, St. 
Paul's church remains to this day the only church, the only 
public building in Lock Haven constructed of stone. 

Previous to the first confirmation, which was administered 
by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Potter, November 30th, 1856, Mr. Dal- 
rymple records six communicants. The first confirmation 
class numbered 16, the second, in April, 1857, contained 4, 
and 2 from other parishes were received, making 31 com- 
municants reported to the bishop at the Diocesan conven- 
tion, in 1857. This is the beginning of the congregation 
of St. Paul's church. Lock Haven. 



I20 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Mr. Dalrymple was advanced from deacon's orders 
to priest's orders in November, 1857. The service was 
held in the basement of the church, then in process of 
construction. The second anniversary of his pastorate Rev. 
Dalrymple held services in the upper part of the church- 
The basement was thereafter used for Sunday school pur- 
poses. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Dalrymple resigned this 
parish and accepted that of Grace church, Honesdale, to 
which he removed, and where he died October 27th, 1863. 
His remains were interred in Highland cemetery. Lock 
Haven; a stone cross marks his grave, and a stained glass 
window has since been erected by the parish to his memory 
and placed in the chancel of the parish church. 

The Rev. J. Livingtone Reese succeeded, in June, 1861, 
and remained till May, 1864. Mr. Reese was of an old 
New York family, and was called to St. Paul's church, 
Albany, N. Y., where he has since remained, till recently he 
relinquished his work on account of failing health. During 
his rectorate of St. Paul's church. Lock Haven, the debt, 
^1,800, was entirely paid, and with the surplus of subscrip- 
tions a bell was bought. The church was then consecrated 
by Bishop Potter June 22d, 1863, and the consecration ser- 
mon was preached by the Rev. Phillips Brooks, 

Mr. C. W. Knauff, a student in theology, was sent by 
the then Bishop of Pennsylvania, the Rt. Rev. Dr. W. B. 
Stevens, to conduct services for the people of this parish, 
June 19th, 1864. After his ordination Mr. Knauff became 
rector of the parish. In November, 1866, he resigned. 
During the rectorate of Mr. KnaufTa pipe organ was, in the 
spring of 1865, procured; the first, up to this time, in a 
church in Lock Haven. 

After a vacancy, which lasted from November, 1866, to 
February, 1867, the Rev. George W. Shinn succeeded in 
the pastorate of this parish, and remained till November, 
1870, when he went to St. Luke's church, Troy, N. Y. 
During Mr. Shinn's inciimbancy the rectory, a two-story 
frame building, No. 526 West Main street, was erected upon 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I2t 

a lot which had been given the parish by Mr. Philip M. Price. 
The Rev. George D. Teller, having been elected rector, 
entered upon his work Easter, 1871, and he remained till 
December, 1874. lie has since died. Mr. Teller was a 
man of deep spiritual-mindedness, and left the impress of 
his character upon the parish. He was succeeded in April, 
1874, by the Rev. Milton C. Lightncr, who remained till 
1878. Mr. Lightner was a genial man, an active parish 
visitor, and under his charge the parish rose to the high 
water mark in numbers and influence, as indeed did the city 

of Lock Haven at that period. Mr. Lightner died in 

. Mr. Liehtner's failinir health obliged him to 



resign, and in July, 1879, the Rev. Richard H. G. Osborne, 
M. D., entered upon the rectorship, and remained till the 
close of 1880. 

In April, 1881, came the Rev. Charles R. Bonnell, who 
remained to December, 1885. Mr. Bonnell was a firm and 
enthusiastic believer in tithing and in the free-church system. 
At his suggestion the system was given atrial in this parish, 
but the result was failure. Mr. Bonnell died in German- 
town, Philadelphia, in 1890. 

The Rev. Charles James Wood, S. T. B., then an as- 
sistant minister of St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia, was 
called to the rectorship of this parish, March ist, 1886. 
He accepted, and has remained rector ever since, so 
far the longest rectorship in the hi.story of the parish. 
During this term, notwithstanding many deaths and re- 
movals, the number of communicants has been more 
than doubled. The method of paying current expenses by 
subscriptions solicited each spring was abandoned, and a 
frank return to the pew renting system was made in 1890. 
Several guilds for parochial work have been formed. The 
St. Paul's Guild, composed of boys and young men, has since 
November, 1886, published a small parochial paper. The 
Guild of the Daughters of the Church, a society of young 
women, has rendered large aid in the building operations. 
The Women's Guild is the almoner of the parish, and most 



122 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

of the missionary activity is through this medium. St. 
Mary's Guild has made material additions to the beauty of 
the sanctuary. The Altar Society has furnished beautiful 
and costly vestments for the ministers and altar of the 
church. 

Under the present rector about ;^8,ooo have been put into 
building and improvement of the church property. In the rear 
of the church, a "parish building" of stone, 50x50 feet, two 
stories high, has been erected for Sunday school, guild and 
like parochial purposes. The church is at present under- 
going alteration of the interior. An open timber roof takes 
the place of the old plaster ceiling, and a chancel twenty-five 
feet deep has been added. 

A set of silver communion vessels was added early in this 
rectorate, and two stained glass windows erected in the 
church, one the gift of the Sunday school, and the other a 
memorial to the late Mrs. Dudley Blanchard. Other 
windows have been secured, and await the completion of 
the alterations of the church to be put in their places. A 
pair of brass vases were in memory of the late Mrs. James 
Pollock, presented the church by her daughter, Mrs. Charles 
Cross, and a brass altar desk by a devoted member of the 
church. 

It is probable that of this parish, as generally of congre- 
gations of the Episcopal church in smaller cities, the his- 
tory belongs to the future rather than to the past, because 
its appeal is rather to a maturer phase of culture and life of 

the community. 

Rev. Charles James Wood. 

ST. John's evangelical Lutheran church. 

From the records at hand, there appears to have been 
preaching by Lutheran ministers at irregular intervals since 
1845. The first work done at Lock Haven in the interests 
of the Lutheran church was by German pastors. Between 
the years 1845 and i860, the following ministers supplied 
the Lutherans of the city with German preaching: Revs. 
Barnitz (1845), Albert(i85o), Shultz and Zieglar (1855), and 




W. cl. SHOEMAKER, M. D., 
President Clinton County Medical Society, Lock Haven, Pa 



tAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 23 

Heidorn (i859-'6()). It does not appear, however, that any 
organization had been effected prior to i860. 

By action of the Central Synod of Pennsylvania, in ses- 
sion at Duncannon, Perry county. May 9th, i860, money 
was appropriated, a pastor secured, and a Lutheran church 
was organized in the fall of the same year. On September 
iith, i860. Rev. D. Sell, having been chosen b)' Synod to 
take up the work, began his labors as a home missionary in 
Lock Haven. There being no organization, public services 
were held in the old Court House and in the Odd Fellows' 
Hall. Late in the fall an organization was effected with 
1 30 members, most of whom were . German people, and a 
lot was bought in the eastern part of the city, with a view to 
building a church. Rev. D. Sell preached in both German 
and English each Sabbath, until he resigned as pastor some 
time in 1862. Owing to some dissatisfaction between the 
German and English portions of the congregation, and by 
the advise of the pastor. Rev. D. Sell, the Central Synod of 
Pennsylvania, in annual session, held at Selinsgrove, Snyder 
county, authorized the separation of the German and Eng- 
lish speaking Lutherans into two distinct organizations, 
which was promptly done. From this action of Synod at 
Selinsgrove and its ratification by the people, dates the Ger- 
man and English Lutheran churches of Lock Haven. 

In July, 1862, Rev. E. Grothe became pastor of the Ger- 
man Lutheran church, which was the first to organize after 
the separation. Being the first to organize and, in conse- 
quence, holding the lot at the eastern end of town and re- 
ceiving the entire Synodical appropriation for mission pur- 
poses in Lock Haven, they were able soon after to buy the 
old Presbyterian church, on Water .street, where they still 
continue to worship. 

The action of the German portion left the English branch 
so poor in purse and weak in members, that it was impos- 
sible to secure the services of a pastor. An organization 
of twenty -three members was effected, however, the services 
of Rev. L. K. Secrist secured for a (qw months of the sum- 



124 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

mer of '62, and the services were held in the old Academy, 
on the corner of Main and Vesper streets. A Sunday 
school of thirty-five scholars, with the necessary officers and 
teachers, was also established at this time. 

The officers of the first organization of English Lutherans 
were Messrs. George P. Shaffer, Jacob Bowers, W. Nyhard 
and Daniel Haines. After the resignation and departure of 
Rev. L. K. Secrist, in the early fall of '62, the Sunday school 
lost ground, and the organization was broken up. 

After an interregnum of one year and eight months, a 
meeting of the disbanded organization was called at the 
home of one of the members; a reorganization was effected, 
with about the same number of adherents. Berger's Hall, 
on Main street, was secured as a place of worship. Rev. R. 
B. Whitehill was called to the pastorate, which call was ac- 
cepted by him, and he entered upon the discharge of his 
duties May 22d, 1864. Rev. Whitehill resigned, to take 
effect September ist, '64, after which the organization re- 
moved to the Odd Fellows' Hall. 

On October 9th, of the same year, Rev. P. Gheen became 
pastor, and continued in the service of the congregation 
until April ist, 1866. Rev. Gheen was energetic and faith- 
ful, and more successful in his work than any of his prede- 
cessors. Regarding the final outcome as doubtful, he re- 
fused to remain longer with the organization. 

The interim between the departure of Rev. Gheen and 
the coming of Rev. R. H. Fletcher, April 16th, 1867, marks 
the period as one in which occurred, possibly, the greatest 
struggle for existence in the history of the English Luth- 
eran church of this place. Rev. Fletcher began his minis- 
terial labors with thirty members. During the winter of '67 
and '68 some sixty persons confessed faith in Christ, most 
of whom united with the Lutheran church. The congrega- 
tion took on a new life, reorganized by the election of a new 
set of officers, and determined to secure a church home. 
With this end in view, a lot on the corner of Church and 
Corning streets was bought, but was afterwards sold, and 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 125 

the one on which the church now stands was bought in 
March, 1869, at a cost of $4,500. On August 9th, of the 
same year, the corner stone of the present edifice was laid, 
and by late fall the church was under roof. In the spring 
of 1870, Rev. Fletcher resigned, after a successful pastorate 
of three years. The membership of the church at this time 
was sixty-eight, and the Sunday school had increased to 
eighty. During Rev. Fletcher's three years pastorate, the 
church disbursed $6,050, only $1,250 of which had come 
from external sources. 

In July, 1870, Rev. J. W. Goodlin became pastor, at a 
salary of $800 per year. He pushed forward to completion 
the basement, at a cost of about $1,000, and in September of 
the same year the basement was dedicated. Having been 
called by the Board of Home Missions to become its secre- 
tary. Rev. Goodlin resigned July ist, 1 871, after a very suc- 
cessful year's work, in which the membership was increased 
by thirty-one, and the Sunday school l)y fifty. 

On January ist, 1872, Rev. W. W. Criley, D. D., became 
pastor. On February 5th, '72, it was decided to build a 
parsonage, which was done, at a cost of $1,200. On July 
1st, '72, it was decided to finish the church building. The 
contract was given to Messrs. J. C. Brown and I. A. Shaffer, 
who were to complete the building for $8,000 by October 
29th, 1872. The church was not completed nor dedicated, 
however, until July 5th, 1874. When finished the church 
cost $24,000, only $14,000 of which had been paid. On 
the day of dedication $8,000 of the remaining $10,000 were 
pledged, and responsibility for the payment of the remain- 
ing $2,000, when asked for, was assumed by responsible 
parties. The payment of the pledges made at the dedica- 
tion was materially interfered with by the financial panic of 
'73 and '74, Notwithstanding the financial pressure of these 
years, the church was carpeted and the seats were uphol- 
stered at a cost of about $600, most of this money being 
raised by the ladies of the church. In the spring of '75, 
March 28th, Rev. Dr. Criley resigned as pastor. 



126 PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Rev. M. J. Fiery, D. D., preached his introductory sermon 
as pastor, April 4th, 1875, which was the next Sunday fol- 
lowing the departure of the Rev. Dr. Criley. To his aston- 
ishment Dr. Fiery found the indebtedness of the church to 
be about 1^14,000, and the outlook was so unpromising that 
bankruptcy seemed imminent. To avoid the impending 
financial crisis, on May 28th, 1877, the pastor took the field 
and canvassed the churches of Pennsylvania and Ohio. 
This canvass netted ^1,025 in cash, ;^4,2I2 in notes, nearly 
all of which were paid. The home church, (St. John's,) 
secured in notes about ^5,000, nearly all of which was col- 
lected also. During Dr. Fiery's pastorate the expenses of 
the church were comparatively light, aside from the neces- 
sary running expenses. The damage to the parsonage by 
fire was met by the insurance. Iron posts in the basement 
were substituted for the wooden ones at a cost of $160. The 
church prospered greatly, financially and spiritually, under 
the Rev. Dr. Fiery. Having been called to the First Luth- 
eran church of Springfield, Ohio, he presented his resigna- 
tion, to take effect at once, January 22d, 1878. 

After a vacancy of some three months, Monday evening. 
May 13th, 1878, Rev. J. A. Hackenberg was elected pastor, 
and on February 29th, 1879, he preached his farewell 
sermon. During the one year and ten months which he 
served the church, its debt was reduced about ^1,500, and 
the membership was largely increased. Despite his hard 
labors and manifest success. Rev. Hackenberg had rather a 
stormy time, due as much, probably, to a difference in 
method of administration as anything else. 

Rev. P. A. Heilman was chosen pastor, and on April 4th. 
1880, preached his introductory sermon. By June 1st, 1 882, 
the entire church debt of ;$2,057.89 was paid. St. John's 
Lutheran cliurch, having hitherto been supported by the 
Board of Home Missions since its establishment by an 
annual contribution, declared itself self-sustaining April ist, 
1882. 

On the night of December 22d, 1881, the parsonage was 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 12/ 

burned, and rebuilt as soon as material could be got on the 
ground, at a cost of ;$ 1,450. Having been called by the 
Board of Home Missions to the mission at Denver, Col., 
Rev. P. A. Heiiman resigned on September 30th, 1884. 
Rev. Heilman's pastorate was not only a successful one, but 
the longest in point of time, four and one-half years, in the 
history of the church. 

Rev. W. B. Glanding became pastor on January ist, 1885, 
and resigned September 12th, 1887, having been called to 
the chair of "Mathematics and Natural Sciences" in Mid- 
land college, Atchison, Kansas. During the two years and 
nine months which he served the church very successfully 
and acceptably, the ladies of the church had the audience 
room of the church frescoed, at a cost of $350; the church 
was fitted up with steam heat, at a cost of ^1,000; and the 
Sunday school room repaired, at a cost of ;^I75. 

The present pastor. Rev. S. J. Taylor, assumed pastoral 
relations with the church on February ist, 1888, and is 
still pastor at this date, February 3d, 1892. During these 
four years the most notable event, of general interest in the 
locality, was the now famous flood of '89. Everything was 
flooded throughout the town, the loss great, and the fall 
and winter following the flood the distress from sickness 
and other causes was very great. The damage to the 
church property was about ;^6oo. The Sunday school lost 
its library and organ ; the water in the church and parson- 
age being something over five feet deep. Notwithstanding 
the depressing influence, and the loss of money and mem- 
bers incident to the flood, the records show the present ad- 
ministration, under the pastoral care of Rev. Taylor, to be 
quite as successful as any of the preceding ones, both in 
finances and the number of accessions. The young people 
of the church have been organized into a successful work- 
ing society, aiding the church spiritually and materially. 
They have hung a 1,300 pound bell in the steeple of the 
church, built a choir platform to the right of the pulpit, 
supplied the pews with racks and books of worship, at a 



128 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

cost of about $600. The ladies of the church have re- 
carpeted the church, refitted the pulpit and chancel with 
new furniture, in part, and the vestibule with new matting, 
stair rods and corrugated gum, at a cost of about ^350. 
The Sunday school has made good its flood losses of some 
$2"]^. The church has relaid its slate roof, painted the 
church and parsonage, laid a curb and surface drainage 
around the entire property, fitted the church with electric 
light, and, at this time, is engaged in renovating and carpet- 
ing the Sunday school room at a cost of between ^1,300 
and ;^ 1,400. Such is a bare outline of the trials and tri- 
umphs of St. John's Evangelical church. Like Paul, for- 
getting the past, she is determined to press on toward the 
work of the prize of her high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

. Rev. S. J. Taylor, the present pastor of the English 

Lutheran church, was born on February 9th, 1855, at 

Newburg, Huntingdon county. Pa. His parents moved 

from that place to Altoona, Pa., in 1868. There the subject 

of our sketch attended public school until January, 1877, 

when he entered Penn.sylvania college, at Gettysburg, Pa., 

and graduated from there in 1881, and from the Theological 

seminary, at the same place, in 1884. He at onqe accepted 

the pastorate of a church at Addena, Somerset county, Pa., 

and remained there until 1886, when he became pastor of 

the Lutheran church at Williamsburg, Blair county, Pa., 

and remained there until he came to Lock Haven, in 1888. 

Rev. Taylor was married December 27th, 1884, to Miss 

M. E. Henderson, of Julian, Centre county. Pa. During 

the time he has served as pastor of his present charge he 

has worked zealously for the good of his congregation, and 

the English Lutheran church has been greatly benefited 

by his efforts in its behalf 

Rev. J S. Taylor. 

ST. Luke's reformed church. 

West Susquehanna Classis of the Reformed church of 
the United States, at its annual meeting, May 20th, 1874, 
appointed a committee, consisting of Revs. H. King, D. G. 




REV. GEO. W, GERHARD, 



Pastor German Reformed Church, Lock Haven, Pa 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 29 

Kline and John Zellers, to make an effort to establish a 
mission in the city of Lock Haven. Rev. John Zellers, a 
resident of Lock Haven, canvassed the city, and a sufficient 
number of persons were found who expressed a desire to 
enter into the organization of a Reformed mission, that the 
committee felt encouraged to push the work. The first 
service was held on the 23d of August, 1874, by Rev. H. 
King. The movement was encouraged by the Reformed 
Classis of West Susquehanna, and the Revs. H. King, J. F. 
DeLong and H. D. Darbaker supplied the little band with 
preaching for some months. The organization of the mis- 
sion was effected on the 3d of January, 1875, Rev. H. King 
presiding, who was also the chairman of the Classical com- 
mittee to look after the Lock Haven interest. Joseph 
Eilert and William H. Beck were elected elders, and Aaron 
Bittner and Christian Heineman were elected deacons. The 
Classical committee supplied the organization with stated 
preaching till May, 1875, when the Rev. J. W. Pontius was 
called to take charge of the mission. Rev. J. W. Pontius 
accepted the call, and began his ministry in June, 1875. 
Rev. Pontius served the mission eleven months, and then 
resigned on account of ill health. Rev. Christine was called, 
and he accepted the call, but remained a short time, when 
he resigned, and the mission was vacant for some time. 
This vacancy proved to be a season of trial, and the future 
prospects for the mission were not encouraging. In October, 
1877, the Board of Home Missions, of the Reformed church, 
sent Rev. I. S. Stahr to Lock Haven, to make an effort to 
revive the interest if possible. The Rev. Stahr went to 
work with a will, and, by hard labor, strong faith and earnest 
prayer, succeeded in bringing the mission on a firm footing. 
The favor of God attended the mission henceforth, and slow 
but substantial was its growth. Up to this time the ser- 
vices were held in the rooms of the Y. M. C. A. A more 
desirable building and location became a necessity. The 
building of the Second Presbyterians' was rented, their 
organization having been disbanded. The mission now 



130 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

began to feel the necessity of securing a suitable building 
of its own. A petition for aid was sent to the West Sus- 
quehanna Classis, at its special session at Lewisburg, Pa., 
June, 1878. Classis appointed Rev. George E. Adams and 
Elders Kramer and Miller a committee to visit Lock Haven, 
and ascertain what should and could be done to secure a 
suitable building and location for the growing mission. 
The committee visited Lock Haven, and were offered the 
Second Presbyterian church for a reasonable amount. Ne- 
gotiations were begun for the purchase of the Second Pres- 
byterian church. The purchase was finally made on the 
23d of August, 1878, for 52,200, which was an exceedingly 
low price for the property, being located in the heart of the 
city, at the intersection of Main street and Clinton avenue. 
From that day on the mission grew, under the faithful 
leadership of Rev. I. S. Stahr, who made many sacrifices 
for its prosperity. Rev. Stahr labored faithfully in the mis- 
sion for a period of six years, when, on the istof June, 1883, 
he resigned, but continued to serve till the 1st of September, 
1883. June 3d, 1883, the present pastor. Rev. George W. 
Gerhard, was called. Rev. Gerhard is a native of Berks 
county. Pa. He took his preparatory course at Palatinate 
college, Myerstown, Pa. He graduated from Franklin and 
Marshall college, Lancaster, Pa., in 1880. He entered the 
Theological seminary of the Reformed church, at Lancas- 
ter, Pa., in September, 1880, and graduated in May, 1883. 
After his graduation from the seminaiy he traveled four 
months through the West, and, upon his return, accepted a 
call from St. Luke's Reformed church, at Lock Haven. He 
entered upon his ministry September ist, 1883, and has 
served the congregation ever since. Under his pastorate 
the congregation has flourished, and more than doubled its 
communicant membership, which now numbers 200. The 
Sunday school has increased largely, and now numbers 225. 
Rev. Gerhard has succeeded in paying off all indebtedness 
on the church property, and the congregation is free of 
debt. As soon as the congregation was free of debt Rev. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I3I 

Gerhard set to work to improve the church building. After 
the flood he raised sufficient means, among his friends, to 
repair the down stairs. In February, 1892, he again went 
to work to raise funds to remodel the up stairs. His suc- 
cess in raising money exceeded his expectations. The in- 
terior, both up and down stairs, is new, and handsome me- 
morial windows replaced the old. The church is now as 
comfortable and inviting as any in the city. As a pastor, 
both in and out of the pulpit. Rev. Gerhard has been very 
successful. He is a prominent member of the P. O. S. of A., 
Knights of Malta, and of the Sons of Veterans ; having 
served as colonel of the Pennsylvania division of the latter 
organization, from May, 1890, to May, 1891. 

FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

Some time before the year 1850, German preaching oc- 
curred in Lock Haven, long before the organization of a 
regular German congregation, with a regular pastor over it. 

In the year 1S50 or 1851, Rev. Albert, of Salona, came 
to Lock Haven, and held German services once a month. 

Kev. Schultz, a native of Germany, came then from Ly- 
coming county, and held services in the German language 
for some time. 

About 1855, Rev. Ziegler, who was pastor at Salona, was 
ministering in the German language at Lock Haven. He 
was followed by Rev. Zeller, who was keeping a drug store 
at Bloomingrove, Lycoming county, Pa. 

In the years 1859- 1860, Rev. Heidorn, once a Roman 
Catholic priest, but later a Lutheran minister, was preaching 
to a German congregation in this place, and died here. 
While Rev. Heidorn was ministering, Rev. D. Sell being 
sent by the Lutheran Central Synod of Pennsylvania as a 
missionary, came to Lock Haven, and organized a Ger- 
man-English congregation, and united it with his Synod. 
In the year 1862, when Rev. Sell left the church, there was 
sufficient material to organize two Lutheran congregations, 
a German and an English. 



132 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Here begins the history of the First Evangelical Luth- 
eran church of Lock Haven Pa.: In 1862 it was regularly 
organized, and gave Rev. E. Grothe a call, who took charge 
of it in July, 1862. The congregation then applied for a 
charter, which was granted December 31, 1863. After being 
aided by Synod for three years, the church then became 
self-sustaining. 

Up to this time the Germans were worshipping in private 
houses, in the town hall, old Court House and Odd Fel- 
lows' Hall. But they desired to obtain a place of their 
own and a building to worship in, and soon found one. 

On December 1st, 1863, they bought the Presbyterian 
church on Water street, below the canal, for the sum of 
i^3.500, where they still worship. The building has been 
enlarged, and the basement rooms renovated, in which for 
some time they maintained a parochial school. 

After a pastorate of seven and a half years, Rev. Grothe, 
organizing the Immanuel's German Evangelical Lutheran 
church, (see further below,) was succeeded by Rev. A. 
Linsz, who was elected March 7th, 1870, and took charge of 
the church the 20th of the same month. After ten years 
of laboring, in September, 1880, Rev. Linsz left, and Rev. 
T. Hennicke was elected as pastor of said church, who com- 
menced his labors on Thanksgiving, 1880. He remained 
pastor of the church up to the 20th of March, 1885, when 
he was called to another congregation. In May, 1885, the 
present pastor of the church, Rev. J. Darmstaetter, was 
called to take charge of it. On July 12th, 1885, he was 
installed as regular pastor of the church by his father, Rev. 
J. A. Darmstaetter, of Columbia, Pa., and by Rev. George 
P. Mueller, of Marietta,. Pa., now in Germantown, Pa. As 
soon as the present pastor had taken charge of the church, 
he reunited the Immanuel's German Lutheran church 
with its mother church, the First Evangelical Lutheran. 
The Immanuel's German Evangelical Lutheran Church 
was organized by Rev. E. Grothe, on January 30th, 1870, by 
Jaking the whole church council, eight members, with their 




ELDER CHARLES S. LONG, 



Pastor Chhistian Church, Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 33 

families, with three other male members and several widows, 
out of the First Evangelical Lutheran. The pastor, Rev. 
E. Grothe, with the above members, withdrew from that or- 
ganization, owing to differences of opinion in regard to 
doctrinal points in the Lord's supper. On January 30th, 
1870, they assembled in a private house and organized a 
new congregation, under the name of Immanuel's German 
Evangelical Lutheran church. The latter part of August, 
1870, the congregation united with the Missouri Synod. 
During the first six months after its organization, the con- 
gregation held services in Marshall's Hall, on Grove street, 
and then removed from there to Odd Fellows' Hall, on Main 
street. 

In the spring of 1 871 it was decided to build a house of 
worship, which was accomplished, and on the fourth Sun- 
day of July, 1873, a brick edifice, 36x71 feet, beautiful in de- 
sign and finish, seating from 300 to 400 people, costing, with 
lot and a steeple of 130 feet high, $8,210, was dedicated, 
Rev. Sturken, from Baltimore, preaching dedicatory sermon. 

Rev. E. Grothe resigned the pastorate in the fall of 1874, 
but remained until February, 1875. From I^ebruary until 
July the pulpit was supplied by different members of the 
Missouri Synod, but in July, 1875, Rev. Seeger was elected 
pastor of the church. In the fall of 1877 he left the church 
in poor circumstances. From this time on 'till the reunitino- 
of it with the First Evangelical Lutheran, the church had 
no regular pastor, but was supplied by Rev. F. Lauffer,from 
Tyrone, up to 1881, and from then on had very irregular 
services. The beautiful church was sold by the sheriff to 
Mr. Perkins for $g6^, who again sold it. It is now known 
as the Novelty Iron Works. 

The present united church, the First Evangelical Luth- 
eran, is connected with the Evangelical Lutheran Minis- 
terium of Pennsylvania. 

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (dISCIPLe). 

About the first of December, 1857, Elders Nathan J. 
Mitchell and L. B. Hyatt came to Lock Haven, and began 



134 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

a series of meetings in the Town Hall. During the meet- 
ings eighteen persons made a confession of their faith in 
Christ, and upon that confession were baptized into the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 
and an organization was effected. At this organization the 
following declaration was unanimously adopted by the 
charter members, viz: "In order that principles may be 
maintained and diffused, and that duties may be fulfilled 
which have their origin in the scriptures of Divine truth; 
that we ma)' be enabled the better to glorify God, and pro- 
mote the interest of Messiah's kingdom by attending to the 
institutions of the gospel in accordance with the teachings 
of Christ and His Apostles, we, the charter members of 
this organization, having given ourselves to the Lord, in 
solemn self-dedication and public avowal of His name, do 
organize ourselves into an association to be known as the 
Church of Christ, in Lock Haven. We further agree, that, 
discarding all human creeds and confessions of faith, we 
will take the Bible as our rule and only rule of faith and 
duty; that we will be governed by its precepts, and that we 
will labor earnestly to promote the union of all Christians 
on the one Divine foundation. We will also consider it our 
duty to conduct ourselves toward each other in all humility 
and brotherly love. 'Not forsaking the assembling of our- 
selves together,' and, when the case requires, we will warn 
exhort and rebuke one another according to the rules of 
the gospel." 

There were 29 members at the organization, and from 
among this number the following persons were selected for 
the official positions to be filled: Alexander Sloan, George 
C. Harvey and James Chatham as elders ; J. W. Packer, T. 
A. Packer and John H. Orvis, as deacons. Elder L. B. 
Hyatt was the first evangelist employed by the church. In 
1861 the present house of worship was built, and J. G. 
Encell, of Ohio, was employed to labor in word and doc- 
trine for the church. Since that time the following named 
ministers have served the church, for a longer or shorter 
period: Edwards, J. L. Darsie, J. B. Johnson, Nathan 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 1 35 

J. Mitchell, D. M. Kinter, J. O. Cutts, T. C. Jackson, and 
the present pastor, Charles S. Long. Mr. Long has served, 
in all, nine years, having been recalled about a year ago and 
employed for an indefinite period. The church is in a 
fairly prosperous condition, and over a thousand names 
have been enrolled on its records since its organization. It 
now has a membership of 316, and the following named 
gentlemen compose its official Board : Elders, Orrin T. 
Noble, Farley Stout, Charles S. Long, J. S. Hanna and W. 
C. Probst; Deacons, John L. Thiele, Miles Banes, S. T. 
McCloskey, D. Scott Peck, F. S. Smith and H. E. Brady; 
Trustees, John W. Smith, Miles I^anes, W. C. Probst, A. 
W. Glossner, J. L. Thiele and John S. Hanna. 

Elder Charles S. Long, the present pastor of the Christian 
church, was born at Harveyville, Luzx-rne county. Pa., July 
4th, 1846. His parents moved to Columbia county. Pa., 
where he attended the public schools, and afterwards took 
a course at Bethany college, at Bethany, W. Va. He en- 
tered the Army of the Potomac December 25th, 1861, and 
served three years, after which he followed farming until 
1873, when he became associated with E. E. Orvis in the 
publication of the Messenger and Laborer, an organ of the 
Disciple church. Rev. Long began his ministerial work at 
Benton, Columbia county. He came to Mill Hall April, 
1876, and in April, 1877, began preaching for the Lock 
Haven church. He remained in Lock Haven until 1885, 
when he was called to Youngstown, Ohio, where he 
preached for over two years, and then went to Virginia, 
where he had for his field of labor the entire State. After 
a period of three and one-half years spent in Virginia, he 
returned to Lock Haven, where he is now engaged in min- 
isterial labor. Besides his church work. Elder Long is as- 
sociate editor of the Missionary Weekly, a church organ 
published at Richmond, Va., and he also edits the CJiristian 
Worker, an eight page monthly journal, published in the 
interests of the Disciple churches throughout Bald Eagle 
valley. Mr. Long was married February 22d, 1866, to 
Miss Sarah A. Henry, of Orangeville, Columbia county. 



136 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTONf COUNTY. 

They have one daughter, who is married, and resides in 
Lock Haven. Rev. Long's efforts in behalf of the churches 
of his circuit have been very successful. He is an earnest 
and untiring worker, and greatly beloved by his people. 

EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 

The Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical 
Association at its annual session, held in Baltimore, March, 
1866, established a mission in Lock Haven, but the mission 
was not supplied with a minister until the following year, 
when S. W. Seibert was appointed missionary to this new 
field. Rev. Seibert rented a room on the third floor of 
Strayer's block, corner Main and Grove streets. During 
the first eight months of this reverend gentleman's pastorate, 
services were held regularly every Sunday morning and 
evening. The congregation at first consisted of but two 
actual members, Mr. and Mrs. James Barber. At a pro- 
tracted meeting held in the fall of the first year, sixty-seven 
persons were converted, about fifty of whom joined the 
church. During the second year the church received 
twenty new members. About this time several families 
from other districts, who were members of the church, 
moved into the town, and thus the church was still further 
strengthened. Among them were S. G. Mingle and family, 
who have been useful and beneficial members ever since. 

Rev. Seibert was succeeded in 1869 by Rev. George 
Hunter, who organized the first Sunday school in the church 
with some fifty scholars and about ten teachers, John A. 
Robb being elected the first superintendent of the school. 
The said Sunday school is still in existence. J. Sam. 
Paul is its present superintendent. The school has a mem- 
bership of 275 at the present time. 

Rev. S. T. Buck took charge of the church in the spring 
of 1 87 1, and remained for three years. It was during his 
pastorate that the congregation built their present church 
structure, on Main street, at a cost of ^7,200. J. Shoemaker, 
James F. King and J. Willow were the building committee, 



' FAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 37 

and J. Shoemaker, George Kinley, S. G. Mingle, D. M. 
Cramer and John A. Robb were the first trustees. 

The ministers who have had charge of the church since 
1873 are as follows: U. F. Swengel, 1874, '75 and '76; P. 
S. Rishel, 1S77; J.J. Lorh, 1878 and '79; Jacob Young, 
1880 and '81; J. M. Ettinger, 1882 and '83; J. M. Dick, 
1884, '85 and 'S6; Edwin Swengel, 1887, '88 and part of '89. 
G. W. Currin filled out the last six months of 1889, and he 
was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Hollenbaugh in the spring of 
1890. J. A. Hollenbaugh was succeeded in 1892 by Rev- 
Benfer, the present pastor. 

ST. AGNES' GERMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The congregation now forming St. Agnes' church were 
formerly united with the English congregation. The number 
of German Catholics have very much increased. In the year 
1870 they got permission from the right reverend bishop, 
Jeremiah Shanahan, to build a church for their own use, in 
which all the German Catholics should worship. In order 
to get the necessary funds, they started a society under the 
title of St. Franciscus Society, and collected a considerable 
amount of money, to which a great many citizens of other 
denominations liberally contributed. Then they bought a 
lot on Liberty street, and commenced building in 1872; a 
great part of the work was done by the members themselves. 
The structure is partly stone and partly frame. The base- 
ment, containing three rooms, was intended for a parochial 
school. The church was finished in 1873, ^"^ dedicated in 
March, 1873, by the right reverend bishop. The first pastor 
was Rev. Louis Grotemeyer, a native of Westphalia, Prussia. 
Under him the congregation flourished, and about sixty 
families belonged to the church. The church debt amounted 
to over $5,ooO; which Rev. Grotemeyer nearly succeeded 
in paying inside of three years. He also established a 
parochial school, under the care of a lady teacher. Father 
Grotemeyer remained in Lock Haven three years, and was 
succeeded by Rev. Henry Kelt, also a native of Westphalia, 
Prussia. Under him the panic broke out in Lock Haven, 



138 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

which forced many families to leave the city for want of 
work. Father Kelt struggled heroically against these ad- 
verse circumstances, kept up the school, and paid off nearly 
all the remaining debt, with interest. In the beginning of 
1881 he had to leave the place on account of ill-health, and 
Rev. Charles Koch succeeded him. He brought the sisters 
of St. Francis, who had their mother-house in Philadelphia 
to take charge of the school. Father Koch was succeeded 
by Father F. C. Seubert in December, 1887. He remained 
until January, 1892. When under Father Seubert, the 
church property was greatly improved. The original frame 
structure was renewed with brick. The handsome parochial 
residence now in use was built by him, a steeple and bell 
was attached to the church, and the convent was also re- 
newed with brick, and many other needed improvements 
made to the interior and exterior of the structure. About 
the time the work was completed, the June flood of 1889 
came and greatly damaged the property, and caused it to 
again be remodeled, which was done immediately. During 
the ministry of Father Seubert, he collected and expended 
about ;^ 1 2,000 on the property. He was succeeded in 
January, 1892, by Father H. S. Christ, the present pastor, 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The Roman Catholic congregation of Lock Haven had 
for their first pastor Rev. Father Gilligan. Under his direc- 
tions a lot was purchased, and a frame church erected in 
1854, on Bald Eagle street, near the Second ward school 
house. 

Two years later the Bald Eagle property was sold, and 
the present church property on Water street purchased. 

The corner stone of the Water street church, now in use, 
was laid August 19th, 1857. Father Gilligan was assisted 
on that occasion by Rev. John P. Dunn. The Catholic 
cemetery on Susquehanna avenue was blessed on the same 
day. 

Father Gilligan died in 1873, and Father Power took 
charge of the parish. Under his directions the parochial 




REV. W. R, PERKINS, 
Pastor Baptist Church, Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 39 

school was established, and the handsome brick school 
building of the parish built. 

Father Power was succeeded in the fall of 1891 by Rev. 
Father E. P. Rafifcrty, the present pastor. 

The church property is a valuable one, and the congre- 
gation large. 

The parocliial school building is the finest structure of its 
kind in Central Pennsylvania. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist congregation of Lock Haven was organized 
under Rev. George Higgins, then pastor of the Baptist 
church in Jersey Shore. The first communion service was 
held December 15th, 1836. The church does not seem to 
have been recognized until June, 1838. There is noth- 
ing in the church records to show how long Mr. Higgins 
served the congregation. He held his meetings in the 
private houses of G. M. Spratt and Charles Tucker. 

December ist, 1841, the church extended a call to Rev. 
J. F. Jones, who served the congregation for two years. 
Rev. Charles Tucker, who succeeded Mr. Higgins as pastor 
of the Jersey Shore church, began to preach to the Lock 
Haven congregation January 4th, 1843. ^^ held his meet- 
ings in the old Court House, and during his ministry 
about thirty members were added to the congregation. 

In 1845, Rev. J. G. Miles became pastor of the church, 
and it grew to a membership of 150. In the interim after 
his resignation there was a division. 

From 1851 to i860 the church was without a pastor, and 
received only an occasional sermon from Rev. G. M. Spratt, 
D. D., and others. 

In the spring of i860 Rev. A. J. Furman commenced 
supplying the pulpit. He was ordained pastor of the church 
in August of the same year. He remained two years, re- 
signing to take a chaplaincy in the Union army, and was 
succeeded in 1862 by Rev. J. A. Kirkpatrick, who served 
the church until May ist, 1864. Under his pastorate the 



140 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

lot on Church street was procured, and 130 members added 
to the congregation. He was succeeded by Rev. S. M. 
Hubbard, whose pastorate was very brief. For one year 
the church was without a regular pastor. 

From December, 1865, until April, 1866, the church was 
supplied by the missionary committee of the Northumber- 
land Association. 

April 1st, 1866, Rev, J. G. Miles again took charge of 
the church, and remained until the fall of 1868. 

The erection of the present church edifice had so far pro- 
gressed that services could be held in the basement of their 
own church. 

In December, 1868, the church called Rev. A. B. Runyon, 
who served from April ist, 1869, until August 5th, 1871. 

Rev. G. W. Snyder accepted a call from the church Oc- 
tober 2 1 St, 1 87 1, and served the church from November 
nth, 1 87 1, to October, 1873, and under his ministry the 
audience room of the meeting house was finished and 
dedicated. 

Rev. C. E. Barto became the pastor of this church Jan- 
uary 1st, 1874, and remained until January ist, 1875. He 
was succeeded by Rev. R. Dunlap, from October 17th, 1875, 
to March 3d, 1877. 

At this date Rev. George Cooper, D. D., pastor of the 
First Baptist church, Williamsport, and other pastors of the 
Northumberland Association, took hold of the church, and 
Rev. F. H. Cooper, a graduate of Lewisburg, was ordained 
pastor in June, 1882, and served the church faithfully until 
the summer of 1886. The church was without preaching 
until October, 1887, when Rev. R. W. Perkins was called 
to the pastorate. Since then the entire indebtedness of the 
church has been cancelled, the church property greatly im- 
proved, and a lot purchased. The present membership of 
the church is 120; of the Sunday school, 235. 

The building is a two-story brick, 45^75 ^eet, con- 
veniently arranged, well lighted and furnished, valued at 
;^ 1 7,000, located on the' corner of Church and Vesper streets. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I4I 

The present officers are : Deacons, John Williams, John 
MacNaul, Archibald Munro, Theodore Myers, Professor 
VV. J. Wolverton; Sunday school Superintendent, A. L. 
Benedict; Trustees, Archibald Munro, W. J, Wolverton, 
John MacNaul, John C. Munro, Theodore Myers, F. T. Car- 
ruth and A. L. Benedict. 

Rev. Reece W. Perkins comes of a long line of Baptist 
ancestry, who have been members of the Brandywine 
Baptist church, Delaware county, Pa., since the seventeenth 
century. He was born at Elam, Delaware county, March 
1 2th, 1847. He was educated in the public schools, and 
went to an academy in Wilmington, Del., with the intention 
of entering the legal profession. While there he was con- 
verted and baptized March 13th, 1865, into the fellowship 
of the Second Baptist church. Soon after he began teach- 
ing school. He entered Lewisburg, now Bucknell univer- 
sity, and graduated in 1872, with an oration of the first 
class. He then entered Crozer Theological seminary, Ches- 
ter, Pa., and graduated in 1875. He was ordained pastor 
of the Third Baptist church, at Camden, N. J., in 1877, 
where he remained until he became pastor of Lock Haven 
Baptist church, in 1888. 

Mr. Perkins is a hard working pastor. He has shown 
excellent executive ability, and is very frequently made 
moderator of ecclesiastical councils. For ten years he was 
clerk of the West Jersey Baptist association, and of the 
Camden association. For ten years he was secretary of 
the Crozer Alumni asssociation. He was also president of 
the Philadelphia Conference of Baptist Ministers. 

During his Camden pastorate he was an active member 
of the executive committees of Union Sunday school and 
Temperance work, of the Sabbath association. Law and 
Order society, and of the Organized Charity society. 

In Lock Haven he has for some time conducted a Union 
Bible class, that has been highly successful. His church 
has greatly prospered under his leadership. Mr. Perkins has 
a very carefully selected library of 2,000 volumes. He is a 



142 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

diligent student, widely read in modern speculations, but is 
a pronounced conservative jn theology. 

THE CENTRAL STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This important and excellent institution of learning was 
established in the city of Lock Haven through the efforts 
of Dr. Albert N. Raub and Rev. G. W. Shinn. The latter 
gentleman being rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church from 
1866 to 1870, and Dr. Raub, during part of this time, acting 
as principal of the Lock Haven high school. Rev. Shinn, 
being a frequent visitor to the school, made the acquaint- 
ance of Dr. Raub, who first suggested the project of making 
Lock Haven the place for the school of the Eighth Normal 
school district. Rev. Shinn received the suggestion with 
enthusiasm, and from that time these two educated and tal- 
ented gentlemen worked together diligently to accomplish 
their purpose. The first matter to occupy their attention 
was the selecting of a suitable location. This question be- 
came a very important one, and it was to the liberal-hearted 
citizen, Philip M. Price, they turned in their emergency. He 
at once assured them that any ten acres of land he possessed 
was at their service. The site selected for the school consisted 
of sixteen acres, located between the Highland cemetery tract 
and Susquehanna river, in what was called the "Price Addi- 
tion." The land donated was worth at least ^5.000. Hon- 
L. A. Mackey headed a subscription list for $1,000, and other 
individuals responded to the call for funds until the starting 
of the school became a certainty. The subscribers me^ 
at that time and formed an organization, which was char- 
tered under the name of "The Central Normal school as- 
sociation of the State of Pennsylvania." The decree estab- 
lishing the organization was delivered by the Court Febru- 
ar)^ 14th, 1870. At a meeting held P^cbruary 17th, 1870, 
the subscriptions had amounted to $29,000, and it was de- 
cided to begin the erection of a building as soon as the 
amount subscribed reached $35,000. A Board of Tru.stees 
was named until an election should be held by the stock- 
holders. Hon. L. A. Mackey was elected president of this 




DR. ALBERT N, RflUB,, Pl\. D. 



President Delaware College, Newark, Del. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I43 

Board of Trustees, which position he held for years, and up 
until the time of his death — in 1890 — he was one of 
the warmest supporters of the institution. The corner 
ner stone of the old Normal school building was laid July 
4th, 1873. The first trustees of the school were Hon. L- 
A. Mackey, President; S. D. Ball, Esq., Secretary; Dr. A. 
N. Raub, W. W. Rankin, Hon. J. W. Smith, Jacob Brown, 
Dr. J. H. Barton, John S. Furst, G. Kintzing, Samuel Christ, 
Robert E. Cook, Colonel A. C. Noyes, Rev. Joseph Nesbitt, 
A. M. Best, Wilson Kistler; Thomas Yardley, Treasurer. 
Philip M. Price and Judge Parsons, two of the original 
trustees appointed by the Court, died previous to the laying 
of the corner stone, in 1873. The first term of the Central 
State Normal school opened May 14th, 1877, in the city 
high school building. The faculty at that time being: 
Principal and Professor of Theory and Practice, A. N. Raub, 
A. M.; Professor of Mathematics, John A. Robb; Pro- 
fessor of Drawing, Penmanship and Book-keeping, M. W. 
Herr; Professor of English Language and Literature 
I. A. Harvey, A. B.; Teacher of Geography and His- 
tory, Miss Agnes Reilly; Teacher of Reading and Elo- 
cution, Miss Dora E. Merrill, M. E. The school was rec- 
ognized as a State institution on the 14th of September, 
1877. "The following gentlemen constituted the commit- 
tee of inspection: Hon. James P. Wickersham, State 
Superintendent; C. B. Gould, Esq., Hon. William Bigler, 
Hon. C. R. Earley, General James A. Beaver; George R. 
Dixon, Superintendent of Elk county; Henry Myer, Super- 
intendent of Centre county; N. H. Schenk, Superintendent >' 
J. A. Gregory, Superintendent of Clearfield county; J. W. 
Allen, Superintendent of Potter county ; M. W. Herr. 
Superintendent of Clinton county, and John A. Robb, Super- 
intendent of Lock Haven city, who unanimously recom- 
mended to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction 
the recognition of the school as a State institution. On the 
17th of September, 1877, the school was opened in the new 
building with forty-eight pupils. Dr. Raub continued to 



144 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

act as principal until 1884, when he left Lock Haven and 
removed his family to Newark, Delaware. He was suc- 
ceeded as principal of the Normal school by Prof. George 
P. Beard. In 1887 Prof. Beard was succeeded by Dr. James 
Eldon, who occupies the position at this writing. 

The first Normal school building was totally destroyed 
by fire Sunday afternoon, December 9th, 1888. The school 
lost much valuable property in the shape of apparatus, etc. 
For a time it looked as if Lock Haven was to loose her 
Normal school. There was a heavy debt on the building 
at the time it was burned, which the insurance failed to 
cover. The old Montour House was leased and fitted up 
for the use of the school. Here the winter term was opened 
January ist, 1889, and the schoor moved on in the even 
tenor of its way, until it received another blow of adversity 
at the time of the flood of June ist, 1889. Again the school 
was closed. No commencement exercises were held that year. 
The students, however, received their diplomas from the State 
Board of Examiners. School again opened in the Montour 
House, September, 1889. Through the efforts of Hon. 
John U. Shaffer, then a member of the Legislature from 
this district, an appropriation of $85,000 was secured from 
the State towards the erection of another Normal school 
building. At the next session of the Legislature, an ad- 
ditional ^20,000 was secured for the same purpose, making 
a total of ^105,000. As soon as the first appropriation was 
a certainty, plans and specifications were prepared, and 
ground broken for the new building, June 27th, 1889. The 
contract for the stone work of the building was given to 
Charles Ferguson, of Williamsport, and the contract for the 
brick work to Levi R. Paup, of Lock Haven. The corner 
stone of the new building was laid October 2d, 1 889. The 
schools of the city were given a holiday, and turned out in 
parade 1,200 strong, May 6th, 1890. The faculty and 
students of the school marched in a body to the new build- 
ing. The new building is not located upon the site of the 
burned structure, but at the foot of the hill, on the corner of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I45 

Main and Fairview streets. It is built of brick, with brown 
stone trimmings, and has three distinct parts — a main building 
and two dormitories. The school is considered one of the 
best equipped of its kind in the State. The number of 
graduates from this institution, including the class of '92, 
numbers 608; of this number nineteen are dead. The 
faculty of the Normal school at the present time is as 
follows: James Eldon, A. M. Ph. D., Principal of Mental 
and Moral Science; Obadiah Wilbur Kitchel, A. M., Mathe- 
matics and Astromomy; Mr. Frank K. Sechrist, Grammar, 
Rhetoric and PLnglish Grammar; Andrew Dickson Meloy, 
A. M., Natural Science and Instructor in Gymnasium; Mar- 
guerite May McCloskey, M. E., Superintendent of Training 
School; Florence Geraldine Brosius, M. E., Reading and 
Elocution; Ella Catharine Smith, M. E., Penmanship and 
Drawing; Alice Kronenberg Meloy, Latin and History; 
Theodore Reimer, M. B., Music; David Martin Brungard, 
Pedagogics; Will Grant Chambers, Assistant in Mathe- 
matics; Benjamin F. Fletcher, Shorthand and Typewriting; 
Mrs. Addie Schuyler, Preceptress. 

The Stockholders' Trustees of the School are at present 
S. D. Ball, Charles Kreamer, Paul S. Merrill, J. N. Wel- 
liver, J. G. Harris, H. T. Harvey, W. F. Satterlee, A. S. 
Grow, J, A. Wilson, James Jefferis, George W. Hippie and 
J. B. G. Kinsloe. 

The State Trustees are Dr. R. B. Watson, Hon. C. A. 
Mayer, H. O. Chapman, J. W. Bridgens, S. M. McCormick 
and Dr. Armstrong. 

Albert N. Raub, A. M., Ph. D., was born in Lancaster 
county, Pa., March 28th, 1840. His early education was 
received in the public schools of his native county. At the 
age of sixteen years he entered the State Normal school 
at Millersville, Pa., and graduated in the scientific course 
in t86o. Soon after graduating he was made principal of 
the Bedford Union school, and one year later elected as 
principal of the schools of Cressona, Schuylkill county. Pa. 
He held this position for three years, when he was elected 
10 



146 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

superintendent of schools in the town of Ashland, Pa. In 
April, 1866, he was called to the chair of English literature, 
rhetoric and grammar in the State Normal school of Kutz- 
town, Pa., where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he 
accepted the principalship of the Lock Haven public schools, 
with the view of establishing a State Normal school in that 
city. In 1869 he reorganized the schools of Lock Haven 
and was made city superintendent. In the summer of 1871 
he was appointed county superintendent of Clmton county 
by the State superintendent, and in the spring of 1872 was 
recalled to act as city superintendent of Lock Haven, which 
position he held for three years. When the Normal school 
was opened in Lock Haven, September 17th, 1877, Dr. A. 
N. Raub was elected its first principal, which position he 
held until the close of the summer session of 1884, when he 
severed his connection with the institution. He spent the 
next year in revising his numerous text books. In the iall 
of 1885, he was called to the principalship of the academy 
of Newark, Del, an institution chartered by the Penns in 
1767. He was called to the presidency of Delaware college 
in the same town in June, 1888, a position which made him 
also ex-officio president of the State Board of Education of 
Delaware. He is still serving as president of Delaware col- 
lege at a preeent salary of ^3,000 per year, and hasbuilt up 
the college from an attendance of less than twenty to nearly 
one hundred in the past four years. Since leaving the State 
Normal school at Lock Haven, Dr. Raub has published and 
edited a weekly educational journal, T]ie Ediicalional Nczvs, 
with the main office in Philadelphia. Dr. A. N. Raub is a 
man of marked ability, and as an instructor has no superior- 
During his term as principal of the Lock Haven Normal 
school, which extended over a period of seven years, he 
graduated from the institution 316 persons, several of his 
classes being the largest ever graduated from any Normal 
school in the United States. It is partly to his individual 
efforts that the people of Lock Haven owe the existence of 
the C. S. N. S. He was one of its founders, and during 




DR. dflffiES ELDON, Pt\. D. 



Principal Lock Haven Normal School. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 4/ 

th^ time he was principal of the school, his personal efiforts 
in its behalf placed the institution on a solid footing, and 
made it the equal in importance and usefulness of any other 
school of its kind in the State. It began its work with few 
students, an empty treasury and an indebtedness of ^50,000, 
over one-half of which was paid before the school had been 
in existence five years. Dr. Raub, in connection with his 
work as a teacher, has gained an enviable reputation as a 
writer and publisher. In i860 he published two spellers. 
In 1865 he wrote and published a work entitled "Plain Ed- 
ucational Talks with Teachers and Parents." In 1877 he 
published a series of arithmetics, and in 1878 a series of 
readers. In 1880 he published two works on the English 
language entitled "Lessons in English" and "Practical Eng- 
lish Grammar." In addition to the books already men- 
tioned, he published his "School Management" and his 
"Studies in English and American Literature" in 1882, 
his "Methods of Teaching" in 1883, and his "Practical 
Rhetoric" in 1887. All of these books have an extensive 
and profitable sale throughout the United States. 

Dr. James Eldon, A. M., Ph. D., present principal of the 
Central State Normal school, was born at Shippensburg, Cum- 
berland county, Pa., July i ith, 1847. ^^^ father was a millert 
When the subject of this sketch was three years of age, his 
parents moved to Waynesborough, Franklin county, Pa., 
where the youthful days of Dr. P21don were spent. As soon 
as he was old enough he assisted his father in the mill, 
and became a full-fledged miller himself before he reached 
his seventeenth year. In 1864 he taught one term of school, 
at the close of which he went into partnership with his 
brother in the mercantile business at Waynesborough, 
dealing in boots, shoes, hats and notions. The adventure 
proved very successful, and at the end of three years the 
brothers sold out. In the faU of 1867 James Eldon, then a 
young man in his twentieth year, entered Allegheny col- 
lege, where he spent the next four years of his life. He 
graduated with the highest honors of his class in 1871. 



148 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

While at college he was the leader in all the athletic sports 
of the institution, and won two prizes for composition. Im- 
mediately after his graduation he was recommended by the 
faculty of the college to a professorship in Upper Iowa 
university, which position he secured and acceptably filled 
for one year. He was re-elected the second year, but re- 
signed to accept the professorship of mathematics at Ship- 
pensburg Normal school, which was then about to open. 
Here he remained two years, when he resigned this position 
to accept a similar one in Dickinson Seminary, Williams- 
port. Leaving here he went to Carlisle and reorganized 
the Dickinson College Preparatory school, which had been 
abandoned for several years. During the five years he re- 
mained here as principal of this school, it increased greatly 
in usefulness and number of students. From Carlisle he 
went to the California State Normal school, where he ac- 
cepted the position of mathematical instructor. He re- 
mained there two years, when he was elected vice principal 
and a member of the faculty of the Lock Haven Normal 
school, under the principalship of Professor George P. 
Beard. In 1884 he was elected to the principalship of the 
Normal school, and held the position ever since. Dr. Eldon 
is a faithful and untiring worker, and has labored zealously 
to promote the success of the school. 

Andrew D. Meloy, professor of natural sciences in the 
Lock Haven Normal school, was born in Carlisle, graduated 
at the Carlisle High school in 1883, and at Dickinson col- 
lege in 1888. After his graduation he spent one year as 
principal of Leitersburg academy, in Washington county, 
Md; was elected to his present position in the summer of 
1889; came to Lock Haven in September of that year, 
and has been a successful teacher in the Normal ever since. 
Professor Meloy is a cultured gentleman and an instructor 
of marked ability. He is a telegraph operator, a physician 
and a minister, and frequently fills the pulpit of the various 
phurches of Lock Haven, having been admitted as member 




SUPT. D, m. BRUNGARD, 
Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 149 

of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal church at the meeting of that body, held in the 
spring of 1892. 

LOCK HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Educational advantages in the early history of "Old Town" 
were naturally very limited. The first school house of 
which we have been able to secure any information was 
built about the year 1800. It was constructed of logs, and 
located on the bank of the Bald Eagle creek, near the north 
end of the Castanea bridge. It was a rude affair, and not 
particularly remarkable for anything but its slab seats, its 
old-fashioned fire place and broad chimney. At that early 
day the only branches taught in the schools were reading, 
writing, spelling and arithmetic. There were usually two 
terms of school taught each year, making in all six months. 
Saturday afternoon of each week was allowed as a half holi- 
day, and not the whole of the day, as is the law now. Five 
or six dollars per month was the ordinary pay for a teacher, 
and ^10 per month was considered a large salary for a first- 
class instructor. No female teachers were employed in 
Lock Haven previous to 1850. The school master often 
taught a singing school in the vicinity, which furnished not 
only amusement but profit to the young people of the com- 
munity and himself The first teacher of whom we could 
learn, who taught in this ancient educational fortress above 
mentioned, was a man named Davis. An individual named 
Dr. Harrison weilded the birch and taught the "Rule of 
Three" at a later day. This old school house was aban- 
doned for school purposes in 1812, on account of its loca- 
tion being too far from the centre of the school population. 
School was then held a few years in a private dwelling that 
stood near the road leading from Lock Haven to Flem- 
ington, upon land owned at the time by the McCormicks, 
In 1818 a new school house was erected on a lot adjoining 
the Great Island church, near the old cemetery. This in- 
stitution of learning was also constructed of logs, but it was 
quite an improvement over the one before mentioned. In 



150 PAST AND PKESEMT OP CLINTON COUNTV. 

this building a modern invention in the shape of an iron 
stove took the place of the old fire place, and planed boards 
were used for benches. 

In 1830 a school house was erected by Allison township. 
It was located on the tract purchased by Jeremiah and 
Willard Church. This house was within the limits of Lock 
Haven, and stood for many years at the lower end of Main 
street, just below Washington. It was a frame structure, 
and was afterwards moved further up Main street, and is 
still in use as a dwelling. In this house many of the present 
citizens of Lock Haven received the rudiments of their edu- 
cation. Among the number was J. N. Sloan, Charles Mc- 
Cormick, Robert McGhee and others. It was not until 
1854 that the first building was erected for school purposes 
in Lock Haven. The house built at that time was the "old 
white school house," called "The Second ward school 
building," which was torn away in the spring of 1892, to 
make room for the new structure now in progress of erec- 
tion. School was opened in this building July i6th, 1855, 
for a term of ten months. The pupils at that time num- 
bered about 140, and were divided into three grades, gram- 
mar, intermediate and primary. A. K. Brown was teacher 
of the first grade, Orrin T. Noble of the second, and Miss 
Phoebe Hitchcock of the third. This was the only graded 
school in Central Pennsylvania at that time, outside of Phil- 
adelphia. The directors at that time were Hon. H. L. Deif- 
fenbach, Alexander Sloan, Hon. Allison White, T. T. 
Abrams, William Fearon, J. F. Batcheler and Dr. Eldred. 
Hon. H. L. Deiffenbach and T. T. Abrams are the only 
living members of that School Board. The former is blind, 
and a resident of Philadelphia. 

During the first term of school, in 1855, the number of 
pupils increased so rapidly that it was deemed necessary to 
elect additional teachers, John II. Orvis being elected to 
teach the transient pupils, and Miss Sarah McElrath, (now 
Mrs. J. N. Welliver), elected to assist Miss Phoebe Hitch- 
cock with the primary department. These teachers are all 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I51 

living. A. K. Brown i.s now a resident of Washington, 
D. C; Hon. John H. Orvis is a resident of Bellefonte, 
Centre county, Pa.; Orrin T. Noble and Miss Pha?be Hitch- 
cock are residents of Lock Haven. 

Among the prominent teachers who taught successfully 
in the public schools of Lock Haven previous to 1867 were 
J. N. Welliver, J. F. Clark, John L. Doty, W. A. Wilson, 
W. G. Leaman, J. G. Lineaweaver and George Wilson. 

About the year 1867 it was deemed neces.sary to build 
another house for school purposes. Accordingly, the struc- 
ture now known as the East Main Street church was erected 
and used as a school building until 1869, when the old 
Court House was purchased by the school district, and 
the Main street building was sold. Following the above 
named teachers came A. H. Strayer, who, after being con- 
nected with the schools for several years, was elected 
county superintendent of Clinton county, and was also 
county treasurer from 1879 to 1882. 

B. F. Winters, afterwards alderman, was also a prominent 
teacher at one time; also Miss Celia El wood, (afterwards 
Mrs. J. F. Clark,) Miss Kate Reed, (now Mrs. Gucker,) and 
Miss Addie Russell, (afterwards Mrs. L. B. Schuyler.) 
During the spring and summer of 1868 the Third Ward 
school building was erected, and on January 4th, 1869, four 
schools were started under the principalship of Professor 
A. N. Raub. Before the term was fairly started, Professor 
Raub was promoted to the district superintendency, and A. 
D. Rowe made principal in his place. The High school at 
that time was divided into the Boys and Girls' High school, 
but was united in 1873. A. D. Rowe was succeeded as 
principal of the Boys' High school by Austin Leonard, who 
was succeeded in his turn by C. Lenker, a graduate of 
Millersville Normal school. After being principal of the 
Boys' High school for one year, he was promoted to the dis- 
trict superintendency. Professor Raub having been ap- 
pointed county superintendent to fill out the unexpired term 
of A. D. Rowe, who resigned September ist, 1871. Durino- 



152 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Mr. Lenker's term as district superintendent, S. M. Mc- 
Cormick held the principalship of the Boys' High school, and 
Miss Agnes Reiley the principalship of the Girls' High 
school. They held their positions for two years. Mr. 
Lenker was elected superintendent of the school of North- 
umberland in the fall of 1872. Professor Raub was then 
recalled to the city schools and elected the first commis- 
sioned city superintendent of Lock Haven. John A. Robb, 
who was at that time principal of the First Ward grammar 
school, was elected principal of the Lock Haven High 
school, with Miss Agnes Reiley as assistant. In 1874 Miss 
Sallie E. Rhoades was elected an additional assistant in the 
Hi<^h school. Immediately after the election of Professor 
A. N. Raub as city superintendent, he submitted a schedule 
of study for all the grades, which was adopted. Professor 
Raub resigned his position in 1875 to accept the principal- 
ship of the State Normal school at Lock Haven. He was 
succeeded as city superintendent by John A. Robb, who 
has filled the position ever since. Miss Agnes Reiley suc- 
ceeded Mr. Robb as principal of the High school, and re- 
tained the position until 1888, when she was succeeded by 
W. J. Wolverton, ex-county superintendent of Northumber- 
land county, who is at present filling the position. When 
Miss Reiley was promoted to the principalship of the High 
school. Miss Sallie E. Rhoades became assistant prin- 
cipal, and J. Ferdinand Dauer became second assistant. Mr. 
Dauer was succeeded in 1887 by Miss Annie Warner, who 
fills the position at the present time. The teachers of the 
other grades have changed from time to time. John P. 
Anthony, at present alderman from the First ward, was 
principal of the First Ward grammar school for a number of 
years. He was succeeded in 1891 by Ira J. Fox. 

The Fourth Ward school building was erected in 1882, 
and school opened there in 1883 with six teachers, George 
A. Earner being principal of the grammar school. He was 
succeeded in 1887 by J. D. Stoughton, who in his turn was 
succeeded by E. E. Adams in 1888. Edward Widenhamer 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I53 

succeeded E. E. Adams in 1890. He was succeeded in 
1892 by J. E. Wilson, the present principal. 

Isaac Rumberger was elected principal of the Second 
Ward schools in 1889, and holds the position at the present 
time. 

J. Milton Pure)' was elected principal of the Third Ward 
schools in 1888. He held the position four terms. He 
then gave up the profession of teaching, and B. F. Klep- 
per was elected to the position. 

A. J. Schuyler and Thomas P. Meyer were successful 
teachers in the Lock Haven schools for several years. 

The new school building, being erected in the Second 
ward of Lock Haven, will, when completed, be the finest 
structure of its kind in Clinton county. 

The names of the teachers now holding positions in the 
Lock Haven school are as follows: John A. Robb, city 
superintendent; High school, W. J. Wolverton, Sallie E, 
Rhoades, Annie J. Warner ; First ward, Ira J. Fox, Sadie 
Probst, Annie Bruner, Jennie Donaldson, Jennie Walters, 
Mary Armstrong and Mame Henry; Second ward, Isaac 
Rumberger, Bertha Masteller, Julia McCabe, Chrisse 
Haberstroh and Minnie Henry; Third ward, B. F. Klepper, 
Annie J. Fisher, Sadie Wynne, Clara Wagner and Mae 
Datesman; Fourth ward, John E. Wilson, Ada C. Waldron, 
Mrs. O. H, Emery, Mary Kean, Pearl Klapp and Mary Mc- 
Inerney ; substitute teachers, Lizzie M, Robb and Annie 
Rhoades. 

The present School Board consists of the following 
named persons: First ward, H. L. Gould, L. R. Paup and 
Lewis Winner; Second ward, Herman Simons, Samuel 
Z. Martin and Charles Shoemaker; Third ward, J. W. 
Bridgens, G. L. Morelock and J. N. Welliver ; Fourth 
ward, G. T. Michaels, T. P. Meyer and Simon Seid. 

THE LOCK HAVEN ACADEMY. 

Another important institution of learning which flourished 
in the early history of Lock Hav^en was the old academy, 
which was founded in 1840 under the Act of Assembly, ap- 



1 54 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

propriating ^2,000 to each county for the building and 
maintaining of an academy. For three years following its 
opening it received ;^400, and the fourth year ^200 from the 
State, and then the appropriation was withdrawn. The insti- 
tution not being a self-sustaining one, became involved in 
debt, and was finally sold by the sheriff. It was bought by 
private citizens, and the .school continued until 1870, when 
the structure was torn away to make room for the Exchange 
building. The academy was presided over for a number 
of years by Rev. Hugh Pollock, as principal. 

Professor John A. Robb, present superintendent of the 
Lock Haven public schools, was born at Palmyra, Lebanon 
county, Pa., March 13th, 1843. He attended the public 
schools of Palmyra until fourteen years of age, when he 
entered the academy of his native town, where he remained 
four years. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 
Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, but was rejected 
on account of his youth. He afterwards enlisted and served 
nine months in the 1 27th Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers. Upon his return home he entered Annville college, 
in Lebanon county, where he remained four years. After 
leaving college Professor Robb taught two years in Lebanon 
county, and four years in Derry township, Dauphin county, 
Pa. In 1870 he came to Lock Haven, and took charge of 
an intermediate grade in the public schools of the town, 
which he taught one year. He then taught the First Ward 
grammar school, and for two years held the principalship 
of the Lock Haven High school. In 1875 he was elected 
city superintendent. In February, 1887, the degree of 
Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the Northwestern 
college of Naperville, 111. Professor Robb was married in 
1867 to Ellen J. Miller, of Belleview, Lebanon county. Pa. 
They have had six children, five daughters and one son. 

W. J. Wolverton, present principal of the Lock Haven 
High school, was born in Upper Augusta township, North- 
umberland county. Pa., March ist, 1841. He worked on 
his father's farm in summer, and attended the district school 



"'^^^^^"i^ii! 













6. B. G KINSLOE, 



Editor and Proprietor Clinton Republican. Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 55 

in winter, until he reached his sixteenth year, when he en- 
tered the Sunbury academy. While taking his fourth year's 
course at this institution the war broke out, and he enlisted 
in Company D, of the Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, but was excused from service a couple of months 
later on account of physical disability. After another term 
at the Sunbury academy, he entered Bucknell university in 
the year of iS6i, and graduated from that institution with 
high honor in 1863. After teaching a term of school at 
Bernock, Pa., and another at Danville, Pa., he gave up teach- 
ing and entered the law office of the Hon. Simon P. Wol- 
verton, of Sunbury, where he read law for two years, being 
admitted to the bar of Northumberland county in 1865. 
His course once more led him to take a literary turn, and 
he again became a teacher for the next sixteen years. He 
was prominently connected with the educational interests of 
Northumberland county, being elected county superin- 
tendent of that county in 1S81, which position beheld until 
1887. He was elected principal of the Lock Haven High 
school in 1888, which position he now fills. Professor W. 
J. Wolverton is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, zealous 
in the cause of education, and a Christain man, whose worth 
is duly recognized by the citizens of Lock Haven. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The first newspaper published in what is now Clinton 
county was started in August, 1838, one year before the 
county was formed. It was at first called The Eagle, but in 
1839 the name was changed to TJie Clintonian. J. B. G. 
Kinsloe and Robert McCormick purchased The Clintonian, 
and started a paper called the Clinton County Whig. This 
paper continued in existence under different owners until 
1847, when the machinery, presses, etc., were removed to 
Jersey Shore. 

The Clinton Tribune, the first number of which was issued 
December 26th, 1849, was the next newspaper. This sheet 
was started by Adam J. Greer, assisted by H. E. Shoe- 
maker. The former sold out his interest in the Tribune in 



156 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

1850 to R. W. Rothrock, who published the paper until 
April 6th, 1852, when Colonel W. T. Wilson became a 
partner. R. W. Rothrock on September ist, 1852, sold his 
interest to his brother, W. P. Rothrock. Colonel W. T. 
Wilson conducted the paper until February 15th, 1853, 
when he sold out to Cather Flint and H. M. Flint. Gather 
Flint retired from the business July i8th, 1853, and H. M. 
Flint continued the publication until October loth, 1854, 
when Daniel Bower purchased the concern and published it 
a few months, when he sold out to Thomas Martin, who 
changed the name of the paper to TJic Watchman. D. S. 
Dunham became the publisher one year later, and continued 
the publication until March, 1861, when the publication of 
The Watcliman was suspended. 

In June, 1861, W. C. Kress and Jesse H. Berry began the 
publication of The Lock Haven Press. This was a strong 
Republican sheet, on whose page the name of W. C. Kress 
appeared as editor. After a prosperous existence of one 
year and a half, the office with all it contained was destroyed 
by fire, and the paper suspended publication December 4th, 
1862. 

Wilbur & Shriner established TJie Clinton County Demo- 
crat in 1840, but for various reasons it did not flourish 
under their management. It was also published for a time 
by John R. Eck. The Clinton Democrat, which was pub- 
lished at this time by S. S. Seeley, was purchased in 1844 
by H. L. Dieffenbach, who in June, 1845, united TJie Clinton 
County Democrat and TJic Clijiton Democrat, which had 
heretofore been rival sheets. H. L. Dieffenbach sold out 
in January, 1850, to George Crawford. Lyons Mussina 
became a partner of Crawford in 185 i. This firm sold out 
in 1862 to Henry Frysinger, who in his turn surrendered 
his claims to Atwood & Wilson in 1864. This firm con- 
tinued the publication of The Clinton Democrat for two 
years, when they were succeeded by J. W. McEwen, who in 
his turn was succeeded by Dieffenbach & Martin. The 
latter sold his interest to a man named Wilson, who shortly 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 5/ 

withdrew, leaving H. L. Dieffenbach proprietor. This gen- 
tleman was succeeded by John H. Orth, who in 1867 sold 
out to J. W. & W. P. Furey. The former withdrew. W. 
P. Furey continued the publication of the paper for two 
years, when he sold out to Whaley & Orth, the latter dying 
in 1870. J. C. Whaley became the publisher, which posi- 
tion he held until his death, which occurred December 30th, 
1880. At the death of Mr. Whaley, his widow assumed the 
proprietorship of the paper, and continued its publication 
with H. B. Marshall as business manager, and H. L, Dief- 
fenbach as editor. The latter was succeeded February 9th, 
1882, by E. H. Thielecke. Mrs. Whaley sold out Septem- 
ber 14th, 1885, to James W. Clark, John T, Noble and Ira 
M. Harvey, who published the paper until May 23d, 1888, 
under the firm name of Clark & Co. The Democrat News 
and Publishing company was then incorporated, with the 
following officers: James W. Clark, President; I. M- 
Harvey, Treasurer; John T. Noble, Secretary. This com- 
pany has continued the publication of the Clinton Democrat 
until the present time. The weekly is a four-page, thirty- 
two-column sheet, and the daily, which is published in con- 
nection with the weekly, a four-page, twenty-eight-column 
sheet. Both papers are what their names imply. Demo- 
cratic, and strongly uphold the measures of the Democratic 
party. 

A daily sheet, called The Independent, was started, in 
1869, by R. A. Kinsloe & Bro., who sold out in a short 
time to A. B. Henderson, who changed the name of the 
paper to Quid Nunc,h\x\. the shock given it by the change of 
name was too much for its weak state, and it died a few 
months later. 

The first number of the Eveinng Express, which is now 
being so successfully published by Kinsloe Brothers, sons 
of J. B. G. Kinsloe, appeared March ist, 1882. It is a 28- 
column, 4-page sheet, issued from the office of the Clinton 
Republican, and published every afternoon except Sunday- 
The local editor of the Evening Express is James C. Mc- 



158 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Closkey, who, by his untiring industry in securing rehable 
news for his paper has done much to bring it to its present 
state of popularity and usefuhiess. 

The Clinton Republican, which is yet in existence, and the 
leading organ of its party in the county, was first estab- 
lished by George Bowman, in 1863, and sold by him to J. 
B. G. Kinsloe, in 1864. Mr. Kinsloe has been its publisher 
ever since. The Clinton Rcp7iblican is one of the best 
weekly papers published in the State of Pennsylvania. It 
is a 48-column sheet, and the largest paper published in 
Clinton county. The office of the Clinton Republican is 
located in the Kinsloe block. Main street. Lock Haven, Pa. 

The Enterprise was started by H. Byxbe and D. S. May- 
nard, October loth, 1873. This sheet was Republican in 
politics, but chiefly devoted to the manufacturing interests 
of Clinton county, and to the development of her natural 
resources. The paper was published but a short time, when 
it ceased to exist. 

The Daily Joiwnal was established by the Journal associ- 
ation. Its first issue appeared October 15th, 1877. The 
said association was composed of the following named gen- 
tlemen: H. Byxbe, A. S. Grow, Ira M. Harvey and John 
T. Noble. The Daily Jojtrnal was published from the office 
of the defunct Enterprise. A. S. Grow was editor until 
April,"! 878, when he resigned and went to Bellefonte, where 
he assumed the editorship of the Bellefonte Republican. 
Returning to Lock Haven, July 28, 1879, he purchased the 
Journal o{ficc from the association, and assumed control of 
the Daily and Weekly Journal, The former having been es- 
tablished by H. Byxby, in January, 1879. Mr. Grow con- 
tinued the publication of the two papers until 1883, when 
the publication of both ceased. 




CftPT, R. S. BftRKER, 
Postmaster, Lock Haven, Pa. 



ORGANIZATIONS AND CORPORATIONS. 



LOCK HAVEN FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

THE first fire company of Lock Haven was tlie Good Will, organized 
September 18th, 1857, with a membership of 40. The first officers 
of this com [lany were: James Chathfim, President; Jacob Enra- 
berger, Secretary, and R. S. Barker, Treasurer. The apparatus was of 
a crude nature, and consisted chiefly of an old-time hatid-engine. The 
company lemained in actual service until the breaking out of the Civil 
war, when many of its members enlisted. For want of members the 
company disbanded. For nearly three years the town was without any 
fire organization, and fires were numerous. 

i'he citizens becoming alarmed for the safety of their property, the 
council appointed N. Shaw, Rufus Reed and George Curts, a committee 
to purchase a steam fire engine. Tiiev purchased a second-class engine 
fr^m Button & Blake, of Waterford, N. Y., and secuied two hose car- 
riages and 1,000 feet of hose. The cost of the entire outfit was but $3.- 
500. On account of the venerable and smoke-begrimed appearance of 
the engine when in use, it received the name of Black Maria, or Smut 
MdL As soon as it arrived a meeting of citizens was called, at the office 
of N. Shaw, October 31st, 1863, to organize a fire company. Mr. Shaw 
was chairman, and Thomas Yardley, secretary, of the meeting. From 
this meeting of citizens the first Cataract fire company was formed, 
which lasted for several years, doing some excellent work with the 
limited means at hand. As it labored under many disadvantages the 
company finally disbanded, about three years after its organization. 

Thus for two years more the town was left to the mercy of the devour- 
ing element, and much valuable property was destroyed. The citizens again 
became alarmed. Council was asked to appoint a committee to take 
some action for the safety of property. Council appointed on the com- 
mittee Jacob Brown, R. H. Boggis and Rufus Reed, who called a meet- 
ing of citizens at the Court House, April 24th, 1866, Jacob Brown, act- 
ing as chairman, and R. H. Boggis, as secretary. Hon. L. A. Mackey 
made a few remarks in behalf of the citizens, and, as no one 
seemed willing to do anything more than to talk, W. C. Kress announced 
that he would serve as a volunteer fireman for one year, and called for 
others to follow. This action brought out 44 volunteers. Mr. Kress 
made a motion that the chairman appoint twelve persons from the list of 
those who had volunteered to organize a company, and ballot for new 
members. The men appointed, or the Original Twelve, as they are called 
on the records, were: Wheeler Shaw, M. B. Plering, R. S. Barker, F. 
Hays, J. W. Harris, W. C. Kress, A. Frank, R. Easton, James Majar, 



l60 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Robert Houseal, James P. Becker and John Ardner. These twelve men 
met in the council room, which is now occupied by the telephone ex- 
change, and elected M. B. Hering, president, and J. W. Harris, secre- 
tary. Another meeting was called for May 1st, at which the Cataract 
steam fire company, No. 1, was organized, or it might be termed the re- 
institution of the old Cataract company. On May 8th, 1866, it was per- 
manently organized, electing officers and members. A constitution was 
adopted on May 29th, 1866. The old Smut Mill, or Black Maria, was 
turned over to the new company, and did active service for several years, 
doing duty at fires, or pumping water from cellars until it was turned in 
for $1,400 as part payment on the new Silsby steamer, purchased in 1874 
and still in use. 

The Cataract fire company, as organized in 1866, is not now in exis- 
tence as an actual fire organization, but is yet in existence as a company, 
having never disbanded. Whenever a member dies the surviving mem- 
bers meet and pass resolutions of regret. The Cataract, No. 1, was really 
the start of Lock Haven's excellent department of to-day. Many com- 
panies have sprung up and flourished for a time, some of them excellent 
ones, which are not in existence now. Among the number was the 
Dauntless hook and ladder company, oi'ganized November '28th, 1868; 
the West Branch bucket company. No. 1, organized March, 1869; on 
July 2d, 1870, changed to West Branch bucket and hose company, No. 1 ; 
on January 23d, 1871, again changed to West Branch hose company. No. 
2, as disbanded on January 14th, 1874; the Citizens' hose company, or- 
ganized on January 14th, 1873, disbanded in April, 1875; the Empire 
hose company, which organized on February 24th, 1874, and several 
others have passed out of existence. 

The companies which form the fire department at the present time are 
the Hope hose company, Hand-in-Hand and the Good Will. All are 
strong and flourishing, fully equipped for active service, and finely uni- 
formed for parade ; they receive due attention and assistance from the 
council, and are always ready when needed. The citizens of Lock Haven 
are proud of their fire department, and justly say "there is no better in 
the Keystone State." 

Among the oldest members of the Lock Haven fire department living 
in Lock Haven at the present time are: R. S. Barker, W. C. Kress, J. 
W. Harris and M. B. Herring. These persons were members of the 
Original Twelve, as they were called, who organized the old Good Will 
company, in 1857. When the present fire department was organized, in 
1870, R. S. Barker was elected chief engineer; he held the position for 
nine years, and then resigned. He was succeeded by Charles Keller, who 
was succeeded, in 1888, by George D. Pox, the present chief engineer. 

The engine house of the Lock Haven fire department is located on 
Grove street, and is presided over by R. H. McGhee. The Good Will 
company has a fine new hose house, just erected, on Bellefonte avenue. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. l6l 

The ITand-in-Hand company have their house on Henderson street, near 
the P. & E. R. E,., and the Hope liose company use the engine house on 
Grove street. 

The twelfth annual session of the State Fireman's association, of 
Pennsylvania, met in Lock Haven, September, 1891, and lasted four 
days. Over sixtv different fire organizations and twenty-five bands were 
present and participated in the grand parade, which took place Thurs- 
day, September 17th. R. S. Barker was chief marshal, and T. C. Hip- 
pie, first assistant. 

HIGHLAND CEMETERY. 

Highland cemetery was incorporated by an Act of Assembly, approved 
May 1st, 1861. Its incorporators were Philip M. Price, S. Hepburn, L. 
A. Mackey, H. T. Beardsley, D. K. Jnckman, Dr. George C. Harvey, N. 
Shaw, General Jesse Merrill, C. A. Mayer, Allison White, Charles 
Blanchard, Thomas Yardley, J. H. Brown, Simon Scott, 0. D. Satterlee 
and C. W. Wingard. Six of the persons named above now sleep in the 
cemetery. The last two laid to rest in its sacred ground being 0. D. 
Satterl -e, who died January 5th, 1892, and Paul S. Merrill, who died Sun- 
day, June 12th, 1892. The ground upon which the cemetery stands was 
donated for the purpose by Philip M. Price, on December 1st, 1862. The 
conditions upon which the grant was made were that the company should 
lay out the land in burial lots, and the proceeds arising from the sale of 
the sail lots should be appropriated — one-half to the improvement of the 
cemetery and tlie other half tor the purpose of establishing and keeping 
up a jniblic library and reading room in the town of Lock Haven. The 
company whs also required to set apart a lot of ample size and conspicu- 
ous position for the interment, free of charge, of deceased soldiers of the 
late war ; and to allow to be erected on said lot a suitable monument, 
which should be built by voluntary contribution of any one who eared to 
contribute funds for the purpose. 

In 1866 Mr. Price presented the cemetery company with an aditional 
two acres of ground, and a further addition of sixteen acres was made to 
♦he original tract in 1874. The first trusu-es or managers of the cemetery 
company were elected October 8th, 1862. They were as follows: 
Philip M. Price, pi-esident ; L. A. Mackey, R. H. Boggis, Dudley Blanch- 
ard and S. D. Ball. 

The first person buried in Highland cemetery was a child of Joseph 
Quiggle, October 19th, 1862. 

The present manae:ers or trustees of the cemetery company are: W. 
H. Brown, H. 0. Chapman, T. C. Hilton, James Jefferies, R. W. Mc- 
Cormick, Jacob Scott, P. J. Troxell, J. iN. Welliver and S. D. Ball. 

LOCK HAVEN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

The Lock Haven library association was organized July, 1868, with 
the following officers: Rev. G. W, Shinn, president; F. D. Squire, sec- 
retary; Dr. J. H. Barton, librarian; John C. Zellers, treasurer. 

11 



l62 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The present officers of the association are: S. D. Ball, president; Rev 
Charles James Wood, vice president ; Miss Elizabeth Carskaddon, secre- 
tary and treasurer. 

The library rooms are located on second floor of the Mayer block, 
Water street, Lock Haven, Pa. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 

The First National bank, of Lock Haven, was organized and chartered 
in 1864, with a capital stock of $100,000. The bank is located at the 
corner of Main and Vesper streets, in the Exchange building. Among 
its first officers were T. C. Kintzing, who was president, and G. Kintz- 
ing, cashier. Its present officers are: F. S. Johnson, president; Wilson 
Kistler, vice president ; Moore Fredericks, cashier; E. L. Morlock, assist- 
ant cashier; C. G. Furst, solicitor. The directors of the bank are: F. 
S. Johnson, Wilson Kistler, E. A. Moneghan, C. G. Furst, Charles M. 
O'Connor, Dr. R. B. Watson and N. W. Fredericks. Surplus at the 
present time, $150,000. 

THE LOCK HAVEN TRUST AND SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY. 

The Lock Haven trust and safe deposit company was organized in 
1891 with the following officers: Henry T. Harvey, president; Charles 
Corss, solicitor, Jacob Scott, first vice president; Robert H. Furst, second 
vice president; Thomas R. Mann, secretary and treasurer; George W. 
Brown, assistant secretary and treasurer. The directors are: Henry T. 
Harvey, Jacob Scott, Jacob Brown, Charles Corss, Thomas H. Harmon, 
George W. Mason, Franklin M. Ross, S. M. McCormick, Lock Haven; 
Robert H. Furst, Cedar Springs; Robert Mann, Mill Hall; Peter L. 
Knecht, Parvin; Samuel E. Walker, Salona; Joseph Merrey, George D. 
Hess, Beech Creek. 

MOORE, SIMPSON & CO.'S BANK. 

Moore, Simpson & Co.'s bank was chartered in 1867, with a capital of 
$120,000. Its first officers were: Colonel W. H. Moore, president; E. 
C. McClure, cashier. Is was chartered as "The State Bank" in 1883, 
with Colonel W. H. Moore as president; W. A. Simpson, Sr., vice presi- 
dent, and E. C. McClure, cashier. Colonel W. H. Moore resigned in 
August, 1886. He was succeeded as president by W. A. Simpson. E. C. 
McClure died in January, 1890, and W. A. Simpson, Jr., was elected 
cashier in March of the same year. The present board of directors are: 
W. A. Simpson, B. M. Field, H. T. Harvey, Lock Haven; C. R. Noyes, 
Westport; A. N. Stevenson, Renovo; R. C. Quiggle, Pine Station. 

QUEENS RUN FIRE BRICK COMPANY. 

The Queens Run fire brick company was organized in March, 1887. 
by G. B. Merrill, J. C. Merrill, J. A. Bickford and L. M. Morrison. In 
January, 1890, an incorporation was formed and charter granted to Bar- 
ton Pardee, J. A. Bickford, G. B. Merrill, J. C. Merrill and C. P. Bick- 
ford. Capital stock, $200,000, full paid. This company has extensive 
fire clay mines at Queens Run, Pa., embracing about 5,000 acres, from 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, 1 63 

which they mine the clay to supply their large works, which are located 
in the city of Lock Haven. They operate three miles of narrow gauge 
railroad, equipped with one twelve-ton locomotive and 125 cars, used in 
transporting the clay from the mines to the river, where the cars are 
taken on board a large steam barge and carried to the works; the mines 
employ about thirty-five men. The works or plant of the company cover 
an area of about four acres, the main building being 70x210 feet, inwliich 
is Merrill's patent steam drying floor— over 20,000 square feet— acknowl- 
edged by all to be the greatest invention of the age for drying brick. The 
storage shed is 24x500 feet; eight kilns with a capacity of 45,000 brick 
each ; also pattern shops, blacksmith shop,dynamo house,engine and boiler 
house, office, railroad siding, etc., constitute the improvements of the 
company in Lock Haven. They manufacture strictly fire brick of various 
shapes of superior quality, and ship the same to all parts of the United 
States and Canada ; have a capacity of 30,000 brick per day ; employ about 
160 hands and pay out about $5,000 monthly to the.r men. Barton Pardee 
is the [iresidcnt, and J. A. Bickford, secretary and treasurer and mana- 
ger of the company; David Salmon representing the company as sales- 
man. This company enjoys an enviable trade. The works are constantly 
running, night and day, to fill its orders. 

PENNSYLVANIA ARTIFICIAL STONE PAVING COMPANY, 

The Pennsylvania artificial stone paving company was organized 
August 28th, 1891, with the following officers and directors: George 
Weymouth, president; B. P. Geary, secretary and treasurer; directors, 
W. C. Kress, W. B. Carskaddon, James O'Hagan, E. P. Geary, John T. 
Beardsley, S. M. McCormick, George Weymouth ; Edward T. Gallagher, 
general manager. 

LOCK HAVEN ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, 

The Lock Haven electric light and power company was organized Octo- 
ber, 1887, with Samuel Christ as president and W, S, Harris as secretary 
and treasurer. The charter of the company was amended September 
1891; at which time P. M, Ross was elected president and general 
manager, and W. S. Harris re-elected secretary and treasurer. Two 
150-horse power Ball engines, three Thompson & Huston machines, with 
a capacity of 150 arcs, and one alternating incandescent dynamo, with a 
capacity of 2,000 incandescent lights, is now in use. The plant of the 
company is on Church street, below the canal. 

LOCK HAVEN GAS WORKS, 

The Lock Haven gas company was incorporated by an Act of Assembly 
approved Pebruary 11th, 1844. The company at that time consisted of 
H. Q. Hawley, Allison White, Hon. L. A. Mackey, D. K. Jaekman 
William Fearon, Jr., J. W. Quiggle, B. W. Morrison, James Jefferies] 
H. E. Dieffenbach, J. H, Irwui and David Carskaddon. The company 
started with a capital of .$25,000. The gas works were built the same 
year and located on Church street, near the canal, with a capacity of 30 - 
000 feet of gas per year. After changing hands several times the gas 



164 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

works, in 1870, became the property of Samuel Christ, T. C. Kintzing, 
Daniel Rhoads, John W. Harris and John A. Christ, with Samuel Christ 
as president, and T. C. Christ as secretary and treasurer. The capacity 
of the works had at that time increased to 3,000,000 feet of gas per year. 
The present officers are: P. M. Ross, president and general manager, 
and W. S. Harris, secretary and treasurer. The works are still located on 
Church street, near the canal, and have a capacity at the present time of 
14,600,000 feet of gas per year, 

LOCK HAVEN ILLUMINATING, POWER AND HEAT COMPANY. 

The Lock Haven illuminating, power and heat company was organized 
in 1884, with John W. Smith as president, and C. M. O'Connor as secre- 
tary and treasurer. In 1885 Joseph Graffius was elected secretary and 
treasurer, which position he still holds. The plant is located on the 
corner of Bald Eagle and Corning streets. Four 100-horse power 
engines are used for furnishing heat. The present officers and directors 
are as follows: John W, Smith, president; Joseph Graffius, secretary 
and treasurer; John W. Smith, F. S. Johnson, C. S. McCormick, 
C. M, O'Connor, F. M, Fields, Wilson Kistler, J, A, Wilson and J. 

Schuyler, Jr, 

w. c. T. u. 

At a call of several prominent ladies of Lock Haven, a large audience 
assembled in the Presbyterian chapel on Thursday evening, February 
15th, 1883, for the purpose of organizing a Woman's Christian Temper- 
ance union, S, D, Ball, Esq., presided and introduced the speaker of 
the evening, Mrs. Marie, of Allegheny City, Pa., who stated the objects 
of the W. C. T, U., and explained its different departments of work. 

An organization was formed, and the following officers elected : Pres- 
ident, Mrs. Dudley Blanchard; first vice president, Mrs, S, D. Ball; 
second vice president, Mrs. 0. D. Satterlee; third vice president, Mrs. 
Lyons Mussina; fourth vice president, Mrs. H. B. Brown; fifth vice 
president, Mrs. C. G. Furst; recording secretary, Mrs, P, A, Heilman; 
corresponding secretary. Miss M. R, Conkling; treasurer, Mrs. Thomas 
Loveland. 

The first regular weekly meeting of the W. C, T. U, was held at the 
home of Mrs, Blanchard. The next regular meeting of the organiza- 
tion was held February 27th, at the home of Mrs. Wilson Kistler. At 
this meeting it was decided to rent the room on Main street, third door 
below Grove, and open the coffee house, each lady agreeing to furnish 
one pound of Java coffee for the opening. Mrs. S. D. Ball made and 
served the first cup of coffee in the new room. Before the close of 1883 
the rooms occupied were found to be inadequate, and the building on the 
corner of Main and Grove streets was rented, and December 17th, 1883, 
the W. C. T. U, moved its headquarters to the new location. During the 
month of February, 1884, the services of Mrs. Mary Reese, of Ohio, were 
secured. In company with Mrs. Dudley Blanchard she visited different 
sections of the county, and established unions at Clintondale, Mackey- 
ville and Mill Hall. 




MRS. DUDLEY BLHNCHARD, 
Organizer and first President W C. T. U of Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 65 

The second anniversary of the W. C. T. U. was held in the coffee house 
at Lock Haven, February 17th, 1885. Api-il 16th, 1885, a meeting was 
called, to convene in the court house at Lock liaven, for the purpose of 
effecting a county organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance 
union. 

The following committees were appointed: Committee on credentials, 
Mrs. Dalrymple, of Lock Haven, and Mrs. Williams, of Beech Creek; 
committee on plan of work. Miss Narcissa E. White, Mrs. Koser, of 
Renovo, and Mrs. Probst, of Lock Haven; committee on nominations, 
Miss Puella E. Dornblazer, of Mackeyville, Mrs. O. D. Satterlee, of Lock 
HaA^en, and Mrs, L. A. Leyden, of Beech Creek; committee on resolu- 
tions, Mrs. Williams, of Beech Creek, Mrs. A. S. Furst, of Cedar Springs, 
Mrs. Dalrymple, of Lock Haven, and Mrs. Charles Kyle, of Piemington. 

Mrs. Blanchard resigned her position as president of the W. C. T. U., 
September 8th, 1885. Upon the resignation of Mrs. Blanchard, Mrs, L. 
A. Mackey was chosen pi'esident. She also resigned, and Miss M. R. 
Conkling was then elected. Mrs. E. C. McClure succeeded Miss Conkling 
as secretary. 

In May, 1880, Miss Puella Dornblazer, of Mackeyville, was chosen 
president of the county organization, a position she has held ever since. 

The Children's Aid society, organized for the purpose of protecting and 
finding comfortable homes for destitute children, had its origin in the 
W. C. T. U. And later on the Lock Haven union was largely instru- 
mental in bringing about the present flourishing organization of the Y. 
M. C. A. The organization has also done valiant service for the enact- 
ment of the scientific temperance law of Pennsylvania. 

Mrs. Dudley Blanchard was born at Portland, Me. Her married life 
was spent in Lock Haven. She was the founder of the Woman's Christian 
Temperance union of Lock Haven, and also of the county organization. 
She was an active member of the Episcopal church, and a most estimable 
lady. She died at the home of the family, at Seatle, Wash., October 31st, 
1887. She was an earnest Christian worker in the vineyard of her 
Master. She worked zealously all her life for the uplifting of humanity 
and the downfall of the liquor traffic, 

THE Y, M, C. A. OF LOCK HAVEN. 

This association was first organized in Lock Haven in June, 1873, and 
had for its first officers, John S. Mason, president; J, M. Emory, secre- 
tary ; P. J. Troxell, treasurer. At this time the association had a mem- 
bership of 150, and met every Sunday afternoon in a room on the second 
fioor of the Exchange building. For some reason the association went 
out of existence a few years later, and was not reorganized until October 
2d, 1890. The officers elected at this time were F. L. Whitaker, pres- 
ident; L A. Shaffer, Jr., first vice president; George Loder, second vice 
president; T. M. Stephenson, secretary; George Ricker, treasurer; John 
N. Wahn, general secretary. 



1 66 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The Ladies' Auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A. was organized a few months 
after the forming of the association itself, with the following officers: 
Mrs. S. D. Ball, chairman ; Miss Clara Kreamer, vice chairman; Mrs. H. 
T. Harvey, secretary ; Mrs. David Salmon, treasurer. 

The rooms of the association are located on the first and second floors 
of the old postoffice building, on Grove street. The parlor was hand- 
somely fitted up by the Ladies' Auxiliary at a cost of |335. A large and 
well-furnished reading room, supplied with all the leading periodicals of 
the day, an amusement room devoted to various harmless games, and a 
completely equipped gymnasium, with a bath room attached, go to make 
up the attractions of the place. 

GOOD TEMPLARS LODGE, NO. 44, I. O. G. T. 

The Good Templars lodge, No. 44, L 0. G. T., was first instituted in 
Lock Haven between the years 1853 and 1855, the exact time not being 
definitely known, the records being destroyed in the flood of 1889. The 
lodge worked under the original charter until a short time before the war, 
when the order disbanded, and was reorganized under a new charter in 
1865. The order worked under this charter until 1874. Mr. Jesse Batchelei" 
was the first chief templar of the 1. 0. G. T. in Lock Haven, and held 
the position for several years. 

In 1874 this lodge disbanded, and was reorganized December 1st, 1878, 
with the following officers: S. R. Compton, chief templar; H. B. Brown, 
vice templar; Dr. R. B. Church, chaplain; 0. S. Houtz, secretary; 
Annie Krebs, assistant secretary; Thomas Blackburn, financial secre- 
tary; Jennie Deise, treasurer; A. M. Thomas, marshal; Jennie Jobson, 
deputy marshal; Carrie Brown, guard; J. R. Stevenson, sentinel; C. 
Maud Walters, recording secretary ; Annie Deise, L. S. 

The latter organization prospered greatly, adding many new and in- 
fluential members at each meeting, until it numbered 300 members in 
good standing, and was called the banner Good Templar lodge of Penn- 
sylvania. 

In 1883 the organization took a back set, and within the next year lost 
all its members but eight, who remained and held its charter. 

In the fall of 1885 the Grand Lodge executive committee met in Lock 
Haven, and held its meetings in the court house. By the assistance and 
influence of this committee, the lodge of the city was again set upon a 
solid foundation. 

The present officers are : H. W. Shaffer, L D. ; W. R. Bierly, C. T. ; 
Annie Shroat, V. T. ; J. R. Toner, secretary; Anna Shaffer, financial 
secretary; John Busche, treasurer; Lula Rathberger, chaplain; Christ 
Barner, marshal; Lizelle Lay, guard; Maggie Hawkins, sentry. 

The Good Templars silver cornet band was organized July 24th, 1891, 
with the following officers: H. W. Shaffer, president; C. Ward Marks, 
vice president; W. R. Bierly, secretary; Grant Warner, assistant sec- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 67 

retary; Eugene Bierly, treasurer. The Good Teini>lars band has 
tweuty-four ineiubers. Their musical instruments were jjurchased at a 
cost of nearly $780. The organization is in a flourishing condition. 

LAFAYETTE LODGE, NO. 199, F. AND A. M. 

Lafayette lodge, No. 199, F. and A. M. was instituted at Jersey Shore, 
November 20th, 1845. The charter officers of Lafayette lodge were: 
Philip Krebs, W. M. ; William Morrison, S. W. ; John P. McElrath, J. 
W. ; Henry L. Dieffenbach, secretary ; William Richards, treasurer. The 
officers for 1891 were: J, Harris Mussina, W. M. ; P. M. Ross, S. W. ; 
Allen Sterner, J. W., Herman Simon, treasurer; John T. Beardsley, sec- 
retary. Lafayette lodge meets the second Thursday of each month in 
Mayer's block, on Water street. Membership, 300. 

LAFAYETTE CHAPTER, NO. 163, R. A. M. 

Lafayette chapter, No. 163, R. A. M. was instituted December 29th, 
1848, with the following charter officers: Philip Krebs, H. P.; H. T. 
Beardsley, king; William Smith, scribe. The officers for 1892 are: W. 
H. Klapp, n. P.; Moses Sondheimer, king; G. L. Morelock, scribe; 
John Schuyler, Jr., treasurer; John T. Beardsley, secretary; Herman 
Simon, Horace G. Hanna, Sterrett R. Quigley, trustees; John Noble, R. 
to G. C. Lafayette chapter meets the third Friday of each month in 
Mayer's block, on Water street. 

HOSPITALLER COMMANDERY, NO. 46, M. K. T. 

The Hospitaller commandery, No. 46, M. K. T. was instituted Novem- 
ber 28th, 1872, with the following officers: H. T. Beardsley, E. C. ; Tor- 
rance C. Hippie, G. ; Thomas Reed, C. G. ; George T. Tozer and William 
H. Smith, treasurers. The officers of the commandery for 1891 were: 
John Noble, Em. Com. ; P. M. Ross, Geno; John P. Brown, Capt. Gen. ; 
John Schuyler, Jr., treasurer; John T. Beardsley, recordei-. The Hos- 
pitaller commandery meets the fourth Monday of each mouth in Mayer's 
block on W^ater street. 

CLINTON LODGE, NO. 98, I. O. 0. F. 

Clinton lodge, No. 98, I. 0. 0. P. is the oldest organization in existence 
in Lock Haven. It was instituted in the old court house, November 12th, 
1844. The charter members were: Gideon Hunt, B. W. Morrison, 
James White, James W. Quiggle, Alexander W. Hunkle. The chapter 
officers were: James White, N. G. ; James W. Quiggle, V. G. ; B. W. 
Morrison, secretary; A. W. Hunkle, assistant secretary; Gideon Hunt, 
treasurer. These officers were installed by Deputy Grand Master N. B. 
Leidy, November 12th. 1844. The officers for 1891 were: A. Nonemacher, 
N. G. ; J. D. Weaver, V. G. ; J. H. Weaver, secretary; John P. Anthony, 
assistant secretary; J. N. McNally, treasurer; John P. Anthony, Rep. 
to G. L. This order meets every Tuesday evening in their own hall, 
on Main street. The membership for 1891 was seventy-four. 



1 68 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

CLINTON ENCAMPMENT, NO. 27, I. O. O. F. 

Clinton encampment, No. 27, I. 0. 0. P. was instituted at Lock Haven, 
March 2d, 1846, with the following named persons as charter oflficers: 
James White, C. P. ; J. W. Quiggle, H. P. ; James Fearon, S. W. ; E. 
H. Piatt, J. W. ; J. P. McElrath, I. S. ; T. W. Caller, 0. S. The pres- 
ent officers are: W. T. Phipps, C. P. ; S. M. McCormick, H. P. ; John 
S. Stiner, S, W. ; A, Nonemacher, J, W. Meets second and fourth Mon- 
days of each month, in Great Island hall. 

GREAT ISLAND LODGE, NO. 320, I. O. O. F. 

Great Island lodge. No. 320, I. O. 0. F., was instituted at Lock Haven, 
June 19th, 1848, with the following officers: Jared Huling, N. G.; C. 
J. Houseal, V. G. ; Joseph T. Hunt, fecretary; W. W. Rynder, assistant 
secretary; R. M. Hanna, treasurer. The officers for 1891 were: Rex 
Kyler, N. G. ; James L Crotzer, V. G. ; I. A. Shaffer, Sr., financial sec- 
retary; Thomas P. Meyer, recording secretary; H. S. Baker, treasurer. 
This lodge meets in their hall, in Kreamer's block, on Thursday evening 
of each week, and has a membership of ninety. 

PATRIARCHS MILITANT, I. 0. 0. F. 

Lock Haven Canton, No. 20, Patriarchs Militant, I. 0. 0. F. was in- 
stituted August 20th, 1888. The officers were as follows: Captain, War- 
den J. McLees; lieutenant, Isaac A. Sliaffer, Sr., ensign, J. II. Wil- 
liams; clerk, J. M. Ilinkson; accountant, William Ely; standard 
bearer, Hugh McLeod: guide, Frank A. Heydrick; picket, J. Sam Paul; 
sentinel, C. C. Conser. The present officers are: Captain, F. A. Hey- 
drick; lieutenant, J. M. Hinkson; ensign, C. C. Conser; clerk, J. H. 
Williams; accountant, W. J. McLees; standard bearer, L. B. Rhines; 
sentinel, J. H. Weaver; picket, J. S. Steiner; guide, Robert Coll. 

QUEEN LODGE, NO. 24, DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH, I. O. O. F. 

Queen lodge. No. 24, Daughters of Rebekah, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
in Lock Haven, January 18th, 1870, with the following officers: H. W. 
Bossert, N. G. ; Harriet A. McGill, V. G. ; Piatt Hitchcock, secretary; 
D. Hunt, treasurer. The present officers are: Lizzie Phipps, N. G. ; 
Mary B. Bloom, V. G. ; Lucetta Meyer, secretary, A. G. Bloom, R. S. ; 
Emma B. Bean, F. S. ; Ellie Nestlerode, W. ; Mary Weaver, Con. ; Kate 
Heydrick, I. G. ; J. D. Dean, 0. G. ; Elizabeth Porter, C. This order 
meets the first and third Saturdays of each month, in I. 0. 0. F. hall, 
postoffice block. Present membership, forty. 

WASHINGTON CAMP, NO. 161 P. 0. S. OF A. 

Washington camp. No. 161, P. 0. S. of A., was organized in Lock 
Haven, Pa., January 18th, 1872, with the following officers: J. H. 
Fishurne, P. P. ; J. N. Farnsworth, P. ; C. H. Meckley, V. P. ; L. Leeds, 
M. F. and C. ; D. L. Bisel, R. S., A. R. Sloan, treasurer: J. N, Heath, 
F. S. ; T. H. Harmon, Con. ; P. Shroat, I. G. ; A. D. Smith, 0. G. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 69 

The officers for 1891 are Jacob Waterman, P. P. ; J. B. Livingston, P. ; 
P. M. Ilaniia, V. P.; H. J. Fox, M. of F. and C. ; M. W. Kern, R. S. ; 
John T. Zimmerman, F. S. ; C. C. Curtin, treasurer; II. L. Dunkle, Con. ; 
A. Sarba, I.; J. D. McClintock, G. 

Washmgton camp, No. 161, meets every Monday night in Farns- 
worth's hail, Grove street. 

WASHINGTON CAMP, NO. 195, P. O. S. OF A. 

Washington camp. No. 195, was organized in Lock Haven, Pa., July 
25th, 1873. The first officers of the order were: A. D. Mellick, P. P.; L. 
R. McGill, P.; N. B. Dovey, V. P.; L. M. Schuyler, M.ofF. andC; D. 
Bogenrief, treasurer; M. C. Liiigle, R. S.; A. M. Thomas, Con.; P. 
Schroat, I. G.; E. W. Passel, 0. G.; G. H.Basner, F. S. 

The officers for 1891 were: W. H. McClintock, P.; Charles Kemmerer,V. 
P.; B. F. Graden, M. of F. and C; Charles A. Shaffer, R. S.; Joseph 
Shaffer, F. S.; George W. Mason, treasurer; Warren Kyler, Con.; George 
Peck, I.; Charles Bitner, G. This order has a membership of ninety- 
five, and meets every Thursday evening in F'arnsworth's hall, on Grove 
street. 

PUTNAM COMMANDERY, NO. 18, P. O. S. OF A. 

This commandery was organized in Lock Haven, Pa., September 6th, 
1878. Its charter officers were J. N. Farnsworth, Com,; J. K. Orr, L. 
C; Elias Confer, R.; J. T. Zimmerman, S.; W. J. Henry, P.; R. C. 
Kennelly, I.; S. S. Reimer, G.; James Huston, B. A. Fahringer and J. 
H. Williams, trustees. 

The officers for 1893 are: A. Sarba, P. C; C. E. Oberheim, Con.; A. 
E. Graham, L. C; B. A. Fahringer, S.; J. H. Williams. P.; C. H. 
Shoemaker, R.; C. C. Curtin, I.; J. J. Kemmerer, G. ; A. Sarba, C. C. 
Curtin and M. W. Kern, financiers ; J. H. Williams, R. to P. A, The 
commandery meets the third Friday of every month in Farnsworth's hall. 
No. 131 Main street. Membership, thirty. 

CLINTON CASTLE, NO. 354, KNIGHTS OP THE GOLDEN EAGLE, 

Clinton castle, No, 254, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was instituted 
at Lock Haven, Pa., March 19th, 1888, by Charles Huston, grand chief. 
The first officers were James C, Smith, P, C. ; Daniel Gross, N. C; L. R. 
Paup, V. C; G. W, Luther, H. P.; C. C, Jacobs, V. H.; George S. 
Kulp, M, of R.; J. P. Smith, C. of B.; George Miller, K. of E.; L. R. 
Smith, S. H. 

The present officers are: P. C, A, H. Nitsche; N, C, Daniel Gross; 
V, C, E, C. Decker; H. P., George B, Warner; V. H., David Marks; 
M. of R., W. H. Bower; C. of E., Sidney Clark; K. of E., John G. 
Miller; S. H., David McClellan; W. B., W. F, Snyder; W. C, O, D. 
Beck; E., Christ Marolf; E., J, P. Smith; F. G., John H. Hamilton; 
S, G., Jacob Scheid; trustee?, William Fabel, C. C. Jacobs, James C. 
Smith; R. to the G. C, Daniel Gross. 

12 



I/O PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

CRESCENT COMMANDERY, K. OF G. E. 

Crescent comraandery, K. of G. E., was organized at Lock Haven, 
January 1st, 1890, with the following officers: C. C. Jacobs, C; Joseph 
Ricker, F. L.; A. W. Brungard, S. L.; E. S. McNaul, secretary; Daniel 
Gross, treasurer. The present officers are: C. C. Jacobs, C; A, H. 
Nitchie, F. L.; B. S. McNaul, S. L.; George B. Warner, secretary; 
Daniel Gross, treasurer. The comniandery meets the first and third Mon- 
day of each month in their own armory, on Main street. Present mem- 
bership, thirty, 

BALD EAGLE LODGE, NO. 144, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

Bald Eagle lodge. No. 144, K. of P., was instituted June 30lh, 1869. 
The charter officers were: A. H, Strayer, P. C; J. W. Chapman, C. C; 

E. L, Barret, V, C; R. S, Barker, M. at A,; , P,; W. 

A, Sloan, M, of F,; J, N, Farnsworth, K. of R and S, Present officers 
are: W. H. Duetch, P, C; J, M, Shrock, C, C; John C. Gould, Jr., 
V. C; J. S. Ric.<er, M. at A.; George P. Shaffer, P.; W. H. Bower, K. 
or R. and S.; James F. Till, M. of F.; George P. Shaffer, D. D, G, C. 
This order meets every Friday night in their own hall, on the third 
floor of the Exchange building, on Vesper street. The membership for 
1891 was eighty-five, 

OLYMPHIC COUNCIL, NO, 933, ROYAL ARCANUM. 

Olymphic council, 'No. 933, Royal Arcanum, was instituted in Lock 
Haven, November 12th, 1885, with the following charter officers : Prof. 
S. N. Christie, V. R,; Prof. Theodore Reimer, 0.; Prof. D, C. Murphy, 
P, R,; N. A. Miller, secretary; W. J. McLees and H. C. Evans, treas- 
urers; Rev. M. B. Glanding, C; S. A. Williams, G.; L. M. Patterson, 
W.; W. S. McKean, S.; E. J. Baird, S. N. Christie and C. F. Datesman, 
trustees. The present officers are : Frank Ileydrick, R.; Joseph Haber- 
stroh, V. R.; John R. Stevenson, P. R.; H. C. Evans, treasurer; George 
R. Ricker, secretary; W. J. McLees, C; C. F. Bickford, G.; H. E. Brady, 
C; D. K. Miller, W,; K. D. Batcheler, S,; George Weymouth, E, E. 
Adams, F. L. Whitaker, trustees. This order meets the second and 
fourth Tuesday of each month in the K. of P. hall, on Vesper street. Lock 
Haven, Pa. 

ALPINE COMMANDERY, NO. 70, A. AND I. 0, K. OF M. 

Alpine commandery, No. 70, A, and L 0. K, of M., was organized in 
the reception room of the G. A, R., August 5th, 1890. The commandery 
received their charter at their first regular meeting in the hall of the K. 
of P., August 25th, 1890. The membership at this meetmg was forty- 
five. The following officers were installed: G. M. Kellei', S. K. C; 
James A. Wensel, G-; C, W, Shaffer, C, G.; J. H. Rothrock, P.; Claire 
MeCloskey, recorder; William 0. Bently, assistant recorder; J. B. West" 
brook, treasurer. 

The present officers are : Sir knight romraander, J. H, Rothrock; sir 
knight generalissamo, H. E, Jacoby ; sir knight recorder, H, W, Shaffer; 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I/I 

sir knight prolate, R. T. Oiieil; sir knight caplain general, W. O. Bently; 
sir knight senior warden, R. P. Miller; sir knight jnnior warden, H. 
E. Oberhciin ; sir knight warden, Harry Brown; sir knight first guard, 
C. G. Winslow; sir knight seiiojul guard, Henry Ungard; sir knight 
sentinel. Hurry Work; sir knight standard bearer, E. A. Lucas; sir 
knight sword bearer, J. J. Heimer; sir knight assistant recorder, G. M. 
Keller; sir knight treasurer, J. B. Westbrook. 

WEST BRANCH LODGE, A. O. U. W., NO. 231. 

This order was instituted in Lock Haven, July 12th, 1888, with the 
following charter officers: P. P. McCloskey, P. M. W. ; Dr. George 
Eadie. M. W. ; C. F. Keller, foreman; R. C. Hill, overseer; John M. 
Strayer, guide; John T. Zimmerman, recorder; 0. Holmes, receiver; M. 
E. McCloskey, finamier; E. E. Brown, L W. ; David Barry, 0. W. 

The present officers are : J. E. Tonnery, M. W. ; W. p. Beck, fore- 
man; M. C. Jobson, overseer; John T. Zimmerman, recorder; C. P. 
Bicki'ord, receiver; R. C. Hill, financier; L. A. Trcziyulny, guide; E. E. 
Brown, L W. ; C. P. Conrad, O. W. ; P. P. McCloskey, trustee. This 
order meets in tlie Knights of Malta hall, in Krearaer's block, every 
Friday evening. The membership is large, and the condition of the order 
is flourishing. 

CLINTON CASTLE, NO. 161, O. U. A. M. 

Clintnn castle, No. IGl, 0. U. A. M., was organized at Lock Haven, 
March 11th, 1892, with the following officers: Counsellor, George A. Brown; 
vice counsellor, E. C. Decker; senior ex-counsellor, J. Milton Purey; jun- 
ior ex-counsellor, G. E. Masters; recording secretary, John B. Smith; as- 
sistant secretary, W. A. Reed; financial secretary, George B. Warner; 
treasurer, Aaron Kyler; conductor, Charles M. Robb; examiner, Ray- 
mond Curns; I. P., Robert Bowers: 0. P., N. H. Packer; trustees, W. 
H. Beck, R. E. Ricthie and S. H. Clark. This lodge meets every Tues- 
day evening in G. A. R. hall, corner of Main and Grove streets. Present 
membership, 105. 

CAMP NO. 62, PATRIOTIC ORDER OF TRUE AMERICANS, 

Camp No. 62, Patriotic Order of True Americans, was organized at 
Lock Haven, March 5th, 1892, with the following officers: Past presi- 
dent, Mrs. John A. Robb; assistant past president, C. C. Willow; presi- 
dent, Mrs. John D. McClintock; assistant president, S. J. Shaffer; vice 
president, Ciuirles Bittner; assistant vice president, W. H. McCoUum; 
couductor, Mrs. Charles Shaffer; assistant conductor, Mrs. Charles Bitt- 
ner; recording secretary, Mrs. S. J. Shaffer; assistant recording secre- 
tary, Mrs. William Passell ; financial secretary, Mrs. W, H. McCollum ; 
treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Willow; guardian, Mrs. B. Keister; sentinel, 
Mrs. R. C. Poorman; chaplain, Mrs. C. E. Withee; orator, Mrs. D. 
M. Brungard; trustees, Mrs. J. T. Shearer, Mrs. John A. Robb and 
Mrs. D. M. Brungard. Camp meets every Saturday evening at 7:30 o'clock 
in the rooms of Washington camp, No. 195, P. 0. S. of A., corner of 
Main and Grove streets, over Mason's drug store. 



1/2 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LOCAL UNION, NO. 436, CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA, 

Local union, No. 436, Carpenters and Joiners of America, was organ- 
ized June 18th, 1888. The following named persons were its officers: 
President, W. P. Beck; vice president, P. W. Bittner; recording secre- 
tary, A. S. Heltman; financial secretary, J. B. Spearing; treasurer, 
Frank Barner; conductor, H. J. Ileltraan; warden, W. C. Heltman; 
trustees, C. E. Chambers, Adam Ziegler and C. Z. Leiser. 

The present officers are: President, Adam Ziegler; vice president, 
William Slenker; recording secretary, W. D. Tidlow; financial secretary, 
W. C. Hubbard; treasurer, C. E. Chambers; conductor, V/. P. Beck; 
warden, E. M, Dorman ; trustees, W. P. Beck, W. C, Slenker and E. M. 
Dorman. Number of members at present, twenty-two. Time and place 
of meeting, Grand Army hall, second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 

LOCK HAVEN BOARD OF TRADE. 

This organization was formed at a meeting of citizens held November 
16th, 1885, at wh'ch lime the following officers were elected: J. W. 
Smith, president; W. A. Kinsloe, secretary; C. R. GeRrhart, treasurer. 

The present officers are: Wilson Kisler, president; G. E. Gulp, secre- 
tary ; J. W. Bridgens, treasurer. The Board of Trade meets at the call 
of the president, in the rooms of the city council, on Grove street. 

LOCK HAVEN LODGE, NO. 182, BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER 
OF ELKS. 

Lock Haven lodge. No. 182, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 
was instituted January 14th, 1891, with fifteen charter members, in the 
K. of P. room, in the Exchange building, The institution was under the 
supervision of Williarasport lodge, No. 173, George W. Rianhard acting 
as district deputy. The following officers were elected : L. M. Morrison, 
exalted ruler; J. N. Farnsworth, E. Leading K. ; J. B. Myers, E. Lec- 
turing K. ; H. C. Evans, E. Loyal K. ; Frank Kinsloe, secretary ; L. M. 
Patterson, treasurer; C. H. Myers, tyler; W. A. Simpson, Jr., esquire; 
W. S. Harris, chaplain: P. Karskaddon, organist; J. G. Christ, I. G. ; 
W. H. Mayer, J. G. Christ and W. S. Harri«, trustees. The reirular 
communications are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month in 
the G. A. R. rooms. Exchange building. Membership, August 1st, 
1892, was fifty-three, and comprised some of the leading business and 
professional men of the city. Sumptuous social rooms have been fitted 
up at No. 125 East Main street, for the comfort and convenience of the 
members and visiting friends. The latch string is always out for visit- 
ing brothers. Although one of the voungest orders in Lock Haven, yet 
the B. P. 0. E., or Best People on Earth, as they style themselves, is one 
of the largest and most flourishing in the city. 

GRINDSTONE CLUB. 

The Grindstone club was organized October 16th, 1888, at the office of 
John T. Beardsley, on Grove street. Lock Haven, Pa., and is composed 
exclusively of members of the Masonic fraternity. The first officers 



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HENRY H. VAN DYKE, 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 73 

elected were : Sterrett R. Quigley, president ; Simon Seid, vice president ; 
George L. Morlock, secretary; William B. Hanna, treasurer; John T. 
Beardsley, Horace G. Hanna and William F. Elliot, directors. 

The present officers of the club are as follows: S. R. Quigley, presi- 
dent; Lewis Walters, vice president; W. B. Hanna, treasurer; J. H. 
Mussina, secretary; H. G. Hanna, assistant secretary; directore, John T. 
Beardsley, H. H. VanDyke and F. M. Ross. The Grindstone club meets 
in their rooms, in the Simon's block, on the second Tuesday of each month. 

COLUMBUS CLUB. 

The above club, which is a social organization of the young men of the 
Catholic church, was organized May 29th, 1892, with the following 
officers: President, John Clark; vice president, E. T. Gallagher; secre- 
tary, John Considine, Jr. ; treasurer, William Simpson, Jr. ; board of 
directors, Joseph E. Tonery, chairman, John McMahon, Maurice Quinlin, 
Edward Fowler, Michael Ryan and John J; Crowley. The Columbus 
club meets the third Monday of each month, in their rooms over Hilton's 
drug store. 

JOHN S. BITTNER POST, NO. 122, G. A. R. 

The following extract, from an address delivered by G. T. Michaels, at a 
meeting of the G. A. R., gives the history of John S. Bitiner post as follows: 
Post No. 122, of Lock Haven, was first organized in 1867 and continued 
in operation until 18G9, when it disbanded and ceased to exist. Thea on 
May 27th, 1879, it was reorganized with much brighter prospects,and yiven 
the name of John S. Bittner post. No. 122, G. A. R,, in honor of one of 
Lock Haven's sons, who gave his life for his country in the battle before 
Richmond, Va. The commanders of the post have been as follows: 1879, 
G. T. Michaels; 1880, 1881 and 1882 until March, C. M. O'Connor; from 
March until August, 1882, C. S. Long ; from August to the close of the 
year, S. B. Jobson; 1883, G. T, Michaels; 1884, J, B. Lesher; 1885 and 
1886, W. C.Kress; 1887, H. L. Gould; 1888, R. W. Shell; 1889, Lewis 
Hoover; 1890, G. W. Webb; 1891, John A. Robb. Three hundred and 
sixty-two names have been added to the rolls of the post ; of these some 
have died, some have been discharged, some have been transferred to 
other posts, quite a number dropped for non-payment of dues, leaving 
to-day about 220 members in good standing. The post meets on the 
second and fourth Mondays of each month in G. A. R. hall. Exchange 
building. 

The present officers of John S. Bittner post are as follows: W. A. 
Calderwood, commander: E. J. Lsrael, senior vice commander; John A. 
Robb, adjutant; Elder Charles Long, chaplain; J. B. Lesher, quarter- 
master; Myron Conklin, ollicer of the day; Charles Sterner, officer of the 
guard; Thomas Pox, surgeon; H. L. Gould, sergeant major; Stephen 
Summers, quartermaster sergeant. 

woman's relief corps. 

Woman's Relif Corps of the G. A. R. was organized at Lock Haven, 
March 23d, 1886, as an auxiliary to G. A. R. post, No. 122. The first 



174 f^^St AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 

officers of this organization were: Mrs. W. C. Kress, president; Mrs. 
Eva Evans, senior vice president; Mrs. Jennie McGee, junior vice presi- 
dent; Mrs. S. E. Clark, secretary; Mrs. William Shiiltz, treasurer; Mrs. 
Robert Mills, chaplain; Miss Irene Candor, conductor; Miss Edith 
Michaels, assistant conductor; Mrs. Mary Hutchinson, guard; Mrs. 
Mary Chamberlain, assistant guard. 

Present officers are: President, Mrs. S. E. Shultz; senior vice presi- 
dent, Mrs. J. A. Robb; junior vice president, Mrs. L. T. Carpenter; 
secretai'y. Miss Edith Michaels; treasurer, Mrs. George Rieker; chaplain, 
Mrs. James C. White; conductor, Mrs. John McNally; assistant conduc- 
tor, Mrs. Adam Zeigler; guard, Mrs. M. K. Witliee: assistant guard, 
Mrs. Jessie Smith. The W. R. C. meets on alternate Fridays in the G. 
A. R. rooms, in Exchange building. Pi-esent membership is fifty-three, 

UNION VETERAN LEGION ENCAMPMENT, NO. 71. 

Union Veteran Legion Encampment, No. 71, was organized in Lock 
Haven, July 7th, 1890, with twenty-four charter members. The charter 
officers were: W. W. Richie, colonel; Philip H. Walker, lieutenant 
colonel: Charles Bowers, adjutant; Thomas P. Meyer, quartermaster; 
Adam Zeigler. major; Henry Knarr, surgeon; John McNally, 0. of D.; 
Orange Holmes, chaplain ; Prank McMahon, 0. G. ; Robert H. Lowry, 
color bearer; Joseph Moran, sentinel; John S. Schroat, quartermaster 
sero-eant ; M. C. Jobson, sergeant major. This order meets on the first 
and third Monday evenings of each month. The present membership is 
sixty. 

Ladies' auxiliary of the Union Veteran Legion, No. 19, was organized 
in Lock Haven, October 3d, 1891, with twenty charter members. The 
charter officers were: Mrs. Lucetta Meyer, president ; Mrs. Sarah Zeigler, 
senior vice president; Mrs. Jane Walker, junior vice president; Mrs. 
Marv M. Toner, chaplain; Mrs. Annie Schell, conductor; Mrs. Emma 
Richie, treasurer; Mrs. Margaret Bilby, color bearer; Mrs. Mary C. 
Schroat, guard; Mrs. Blanch Bennage, secretary. This order meets on 
the first and third Mondays of each month in the K. of P. hall. Exchange 
building, corner Main and Vesper streets. Present membership, twenty. 

O. H. EMERY CAMP, NO. 3, S. OF V., U. S. A. 

O. H. Emery camp, No. 3, S. of V., U. S. A., was organized at Lock 
Haven, by Colonel J. H, Closson, of Philadelphia, May 17th, 1883, 
with the following named persons as officers : A. S. Grow, captain ; Ira 
M. Harvey, F. Lt. ; John F. Howard, S. Lt.; S. W. Smith, chaplain; F. 
M. Jobson, surgeon; J. M. Reeder, orderly sergeant; B. F. Seybold, quar- 
termaster; Edward Killinger, C. S.; Harry Calderwood, 0. S.; Allen 
Fogle, S. of G.; G. W. Rohe, C. of G.; Porter Chatham, C. G.; Ed. 
Seyler, P. G.; Edward Bressler, Harry A. Walters and Byron Vander- 
sloat, camp council. 

The present officers are : Captain, J. E. Seybold ; first lieutenant, 
John B. Smith; second lieutenant, Charles M. Robb; camp council, H. 
M. Hoover, Charles M. Robb and William Robb ; delegate to state con- 




CAPT. GEORGE R. BROWN, ESQ. 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND Present of clinton county. 1^5 

vention at Easton, William B. Brown ; alternate, F. A. Gross. This or- 
ganization meets the first and third Thursday of each month in the G. A. 
R. hall. 

PENNSYLVANIA PULP AND PAPER MILL. 

This industry was started in 1880. In 1881 the plant was destroyed by 
flre, but was rebuilt the same year. The industry is a mammoth one, and 
gives employment to 150 persons. The name of the e impany now is 
The New York and Pennsylvania pulp and paper company. The officers 
of the company are as follows : A G. Payne, of New York city, presi- 
dent; M. M. Ai-mstrong, of Philadelphia, and A. G. Payne, Jr., of New 
York city, vice pi-esidents. J. W. Welsh, of Hartford, Conn., secretary 
and treasurer. The plant is situated on the north side of the Bald Eagle 
Valley railroad, in Castanea township; it is one of the most useful and 
beneficial industries in Clinton county, and of great benefit to the city of 
Lock Haven. 

LOCK HAVEN CLAY WORKS. 

The Lock Plaven clay works are located in the Second ward of Lock 
Haven. They were started in July, 1888, and gi-eatly enlarged and im- 
proved the next year. The number of persons employed ranges from 
fifty to sixty. The kind of goods manufactured is terra-eotta pipe. The 
original proprietors were Charles Kreamer, L. H, Patterson, George W. 
Mason, and Boyd C. Packer. At present the plant is owned and run 
by a stock company, with John Sherriek as jn-esident; Charles M. O'Con- 
nor, secretary and treasurer ; Robert Mann, Boyd C. Packer, Charles 
H. Myers and John Sherriek, directors. 

RICKER & sons' iron WORKS. 

Ricker & Sons' iron works are located on Walnut street, near the Phila- 
delphia and Erie railroad and the Bald Eagle canal. This industry was 
started in 1854 by a company consisting of G. C. Harvey, A. H. Best, 
William Fearon and L. A. Mackey; J. H. Ricker becoming a partner in 
1868. In 1869 S. H. Fredericks purchased an interest, and in 1871 
Charles Kreamer purchased the interest of G. C. Harvey. The firm name 
was then changed to Ricker, Fredericks & Co. In June, 18G9, the entire 
establishment was destroyed by fire. The original cost of the structure 
was $120,000. The firm remained Ricker, Fredericks & Co. until 1878, 
when it was changed to Ricker & Sons. The present structure is built of 
brick. The establishment is one of the best equipped of its kind in the 
state. A large boiler shop is attached to the industry. 

WEST BRANCH FURNITURE FACTORY. 

This industry was started by the West Branch furniture company, 
limited, September 1st, 1891. It gives employment to forty persons. 
Tables, sideboards, hall-trees and general dining room furniture is manu- 
factured. The officers of the West Branch furniture company, limited, 
are : Charles Hill, president ; W. A. Brown, secretary and treasurer. 
This industry is located in the First ward of Lock Haven, near the canal, 
between Bald Eagle and Railroad streets. 



176 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LOCK HAVEN FURNITURE FACTORY. 

This industry was started by a stock company in 1879. It gives em- 
ployment to about seventy-five persons. The factory is located on West 
Church street, on lands formerly owned by the Queen of Spain. 

NOVELTY IRON WORKS. 

This industry, owned and run at the present time by William Elliot, 
was established in 1879. Employment is given to fifteen persons. The 
industry is located on Jones street, in a three-story brick building for- 
merlv used as a chui'ch. All kinds of mill machinery is manufactured. 

HIPPLE'S PLANING MILL. 

Hippie's planing mill is located on Bellefonte avenue. The mill was 
built by White, Hippie & Co., in 1862; in 1866 the firm changed to 
Hippie, Wilson & Hippie, and in 1874 to Hippie & Wilson. Wilson 
withdrew from the firm in 1889, and for a time the business wa^ carried 
on by George W. Hippie. The firm at present is Hippie & Kintzing. 

KISTLER BROS.' TANNERY. 

Kistler Bros.' tannery was built in 1870, destroyed by fire in 1880, but 
rebuilt on a larger scale. This industry furnishes employment to nearly 
100 persons. It is located near the P. & E. railroad, between Fourth and 
Fifth streets. The extensive bark sheds attached to the tanneiy were 
totally destroyed by fire in March, 1893. 

CHARLES KREAMER'S MILL. 

The saw mill of Charles Kreamer is located near the junction of Wal- 
nut and Vesper streets. This mill was erected in 1855. From fifty to 
sixty men find employment on this mill, and over $2,500 are paid out 
monthly to employes. 

PERCY H. white's SAW MILL. 

Percy H. White's saw mill is located "near the foot of Jones street, be- 
tween the Bald Eagle canal and the railroad. This mill was built by 
John L. Cranston, in 1868, and passed into the hands of Mr. White in 
1869. It is now one of the minor industries of Lock Haven. 

BICKFORD & M'CORMICK's MILL. 

Bickford & McCormick's mill is located about a quarter of a mile east 
of the P. & E. railroad station, between the B. E. V. railroad and the 
B. E. V. canal. The mill was built, in 1866, by John C. Brown & Co. 
In 1869 it was sold to Brown, Blackburn & Curtin. In 1880 Messrs. 
Bickford & Blackburn became owners; later the firm name was changed 
to Bickford & McCormick. About thirty men are given employment at 
this mill. 

H, A. BROWN & BRO.'S CARRIAGE MANUFACTORY. 

H. A. Brown & Bro.'s carriage manufactory is located between Main 
and Chuich streets, opposite the jail. This industry was started in the 
spring of 1874. From eight to ten men are given employment the 
whole year. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. X'JJ 

SHAFFER & BICKFORD'S MILL. 

This industry was started in August, 1891, by the above named firm. 
It is located on the river bank, at the corner of Water and Second streets. 
A planing mill is attached for the manufacturing of bill timber of all 
kinds. The firm have a large retail trade at home, and ship considerable 
lumber to other sections. 

UERRING & CO.'S TANNERY. 

This industry is located on Church street below the canal. The tan- 
nery was erected in 1853, destroyed by fire in 1875, and rebuilt the same 
year. From twelve to fifteen men find steady employment. The tan- 
nery is now owned by B. F. Herring and Scott Bros. 

BACHELER & RICKER'S PLANING MILL. 

This mill was started by Bacheler & Ricker, in 1887, for the manufac- 
turing of flooi'ing, siding and surfaced lumber. The capacity of the mill 
is about 20,000 feet of flooring or siding, and about 40,000 feet of sur- 
faced lumber per day. It is located opposite the P. & E. railroad, on 
Vesper street. It gives employment to from ten to fifteen men. 

EAGLE IRON WORKS. 

The Eagle iron works were established, in 1868, by P. G. Knights, 
John Agar, Robert Agar and John Barnhart. The works are run at the 
present time by Knights, Agar'& Co. These works are located east of 
the P. &E. railroad, on Liberty street. All kinds of mill machinery is 
manufactured, and a general repair business done. 

WILLIAM STERNER & SON's CIGAR MANUFACTORY. 

William Sterner & Son's cigar manufactory was started by William 
Sterner in 1865. At the present time twenty-five men are employed, and 
over 1,250,000 cigars are manufactured each year. 

LOCK HAVEN STEAM LAUNDRY. 

The Lock Haven steam laundry was established in the spring of 1893. 
It is owned by Messrs. Abrams & Williams. About ten persons are given 
employment by the firm. The laundry is located on Bellefonte avenue, 
and is fast becoming a paying institution. 

GEORGE SAIERS' CIGAR MANUFACTORY. 

George Saiers' cigar manufactory is located at No. 42 Clinton avenue. 
This industry was established by Mr. Saiers in 1888. Thirty-five thousand 
cigars are manufactured per month, and five persons given steady em- 
ployment. A general tobacco store and confectionery is run in connec- 
tion with the establishment. The confectionery was started April 1st, 
1891. Mr. Saiers manufactures some of the finest brands of cigars, one 
of which is called the "Jerry Church " cigar, in honor of the founder of 
Lock Haven. 

T. H. HARMON'S CIGAR MANUFACTORY. 

T. H. Harmon's cigar manufactory was started in 1874. The store- 
room and manufactory are located on Main street. The industry gives 
employment to quite a number of persons. 



178 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

PHILADELPHIA & KRIE RAILROAD. 

The Philadelphia & Erie railroad (formerly the Simbury & Erie) was 
completed to Lock Haven in 1S59. Its first passenger station at this place 
was located on Bellefonte avenue, whei*e the present supervisor's office is 
now located. In 1874 the station was moved to its present location. The 
Philadelphia & Erie railroad company employ at Lock Haven 152 per- 
sons. The total amount of wages paid monthly to employes is $6,927; 
this does not include about sixty men who are employed east and west of 
Lock Haven. John W. Wynne, yard master; A. H. Brown, supervisor, 
and John Consadine, section boss, are among the oldest employes of the 
Philadelphia & Erie in Lock Haven. H. C. Laird is the present acting 
yard mas;er, John Consadine is still section boss, and A. H. Brown was 
transferred March 1st, 1892, to supervisor of the canal, and was suc- 
ceeded by W. B. Thomson, the present supervisor. 

FALLON HOUSE. 

The Fallon house, one of the finest hotels in the city of Lock Haven, 
is a four-story brick structure, located on Water street. It was erected 
in 1885 by a stock company. After several changes in its management 
it passed into the hands of Judge John W. Smith in 1874. The house 
affords ample accommodations for 200 guests. John Schuyler, Jr., is the 
present proprietor of the Fallon house. 

MONTOUR HOUSE. 

The Montour house (now Hotel Meitzler) was erected in 1834 upon the 
first lot sold by Jerry Church. The house was partially destroyed by fire 
in 1855, rebuilt and improved by Proctor Myers ; and again partly de- 
stroyed by fire in 1873. In 1891 the place was purchased by Peter Meitz- 
ler, greatly improved and thrown open to the public as the Hotel Meitzler, 
September 3d, 1891. Its present landlord is Lewis Weaver. The house 
contains fifty sleeping rooms with ample accommodations for 100 guests. 

IRTIN HOUSE. 

The Irvin house (formerly called the Mansion house) was built by John 
Moorehead, in 1838, with the view of its becoming the court house. 
Moorehead sold the house to W. W. Barker. The latter conducted the 
place several years, then sold it to Dr. Irvin. who changed the name to 
Irvin house. S. Woods Caldwell purchased the place from Dr. Irvin in 
1870, and has kept the place as a hotel ever since. The Irvin house has 
recently been greatly remodelled and improved. The Irvin house affords 
ample and pleasant accommodations for fifty guests. 

KELLER'S HOTEL. 

Keller's hotel was built by Peter W. Keller in 1862-63, and remodelled 
and greatly improved by him in 1889. It is a handsome three-story 
brick structure, located on Grove street. The house has forty comfort- 
able rooms, and furnishes suitable accommodations for sixty guests. 
Keller's hotel is one of the finest places of its kind in Lock Haven. Its 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 79 

present landlord is Philip Keller, who assumed entire control of the place 
at the death of his brother, Peter W. Keller, which event occurred 
December 31st, 1891. 

CENTRAL HOTEL. 

The Central hotel, located at the corner of Main and Grove streets, is 
a two-story frame structure with a finished attic. It was used as a 
dwelling by Dr. Liehtenthaler, Sr., for about five years, and was then pur. 
chased, in 1870, by Simon Bros., who remodelled and improved it. From 
that time until the present it has been used as a hotel. Its first propri- 
etor was Peter Meitzler. Its present landlord is Aaron Kyler, who suc- 
ceeded George Ronian. in January. 1891. The Central contains twenty- 
one sleeping rooms, with accommodations for fifty guests. It is a well- 
kept house and does a good business. 

KEATING HOUSE. 

The Keating house, a three-story brick structure, is located on Vesper 
street, between Water and Main. It was built about twenty years ago by 
Morris Messimer. Its present landlord is John H. Smith, who took 
charge of the place in Novembei-, 1891. A first-class restaurant is run 
in connection with the hotel. This house affords ample accommodations 
for about forty guests. 

HARMOXIA HOTEL. 

The Harmonia hotel is a three-story brick structure, located on Jay 
street, between Water and Main. It was built by George Scheid in 1SG9. 
Mr, Scheid opened the Harmonia in 1870, aTid continued as its proprietor 
until 1889, when he was succeeded "by ex-Sheriff D, M. May, the present 
landlord. The Harmonia has eighteen sleeping rooms, with accommoda- 
tions for forty guests, 

ST, CHARLES HOTEL, 

This hotel and restaurant building was built by C, P. Lambert in 1866. 
It is a two and one-half-story frame building, located on Main street. Its 
first proprietor was Mr. Lambert himself, who conducted the hotel and 
restaurant business until his death, which occuri'ed in 1880. He was suc- 
ceeded by Jacob Henry, who kept the place until his death, in 1887. The 
present proprietor is W. G. Draucker, who assumed the manngement of 
the hotel in March, 1888. The St. Charles is the leading place of its 
kind in Lock Haven, and enjoys a liberal patronage. 

EAGLE HOTEL. 

The Eagle hotel was built; in 1855 by Jacob Smith. It is a frame 
building, located at the corner of Bald Eagle and Vesper streets. Its 
first landlord was Jacob Smith, who sold the place in 1860 to John W. 
Smith, who in his turn sold it to J. W. & K. D. Smith in 1864. The 
latter was proprietor of the Eagle hotel until 1880, when P. B, Smith, its 
present landlord, took possession. The Eagle hotel contains twenty five 
sleeping rooms, with accommodations for fifty guests. 



l8o PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

krom's hotel. 
Krom's hotel was erected by Charles Scheie! in 1876. Tt is a three-story 
brick structure, located on Clinton street, nearly opposite the P. & E. 
passenger station. Its first proprietor was Jacob Rodgiver. He was suc- 
ceeded by Augustus Krom, from whom the place took its name. Mr. 
Krom died, and his widow run the place until 1888, when she was suc- 
ceeded by Aaron Kyler, who in his turn was succeeded by George Reed, 
January, 1891. This house has sixteen sleeping rooms, with accommo- 
dations for foi-ty guests. It is a popular resort among railroad men, on 
account of its close proximity to the station, and is well patronized by 
the public in general. 

ST. CLOUD HOTEL. 

The St. Cloud hotel, a large three-story brick building, located at the 
corner of Clinton and Washington streets, was built by its present pro- 
prietor, Daniel Gross, in 1885. The house has twenty-two sleeping apart- 
ments, and affords ample accommodations for fifty guests. 

JUNCTION HOUSE. 

The Junction house was built by John Gaudam, its present proprietor, 
in 1873. It is a neat frame structure, located on the corner of Walnut 
and Washington streets, near the passenger station. This house affords 
accommodations for forty guests. 

FIRST WARD HOTEL. 

The First Ward hotel, located at the corner of Church and Henderson 
streets, is a two story frame building, erected by Philip Fabel in 1852, 
and opened as a hotel in 1853. Its fii-st proprietor was Mr. Fabel himself. 
The house contains fourteen sleeping rooms, with ample accommodations 
for thirty guests. Its present proprietor is Alexander Zessinger. 

FRANKLIN HOUSE. 

The Franklin house, a frame structure, located on Bald Eagle street, 
between Vesper and Grove streets, was originally intended as a dwelling, 
and was built by John Greninger in 1868, and improved and occupied by 
him as a hotel in 1870. Its present proprietor is Daniel McRae, who 
took possession of the place in January, 1890. The Franklin house has 
sixteen rooms, with accommodations for thirty persons. 

CLEARFIELD HOUSE. 

The Clearfield house was built in 1879 by Henry Bantlon, who was its 
first proprietor. It is a two-story brick building, located on Jay street, 
between Main and Church streets. It has nine rooms, with accommoda- 
tions for twenty persons. Its present proprietor is Daniel Lachat, who 
took possession of the place in 1882, and purchased it in 1891. 

farmers' hotel. 
The Farmers' hotel, located on Church street, between Grove and Jay 
streets, is a two-story brick structure, built by Bartley Smith in 1878. 
Its present proprietor is Michael Lucey, who took possession of the place 
September 29th, 1891. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. l8l 

CUSTER HOUSE. 

The Custer house, built by P. J. Keller in 1857, is a frame biiildinjf, 
located on Jay street, near its junction with Main. Its first proprietor 
was Geoi'ge Scheid. The house has nineteen sleeping apfirtiuents, and 
room for forty persons. Its present proprietor is Hugh McLeod, who 
purchased the Custer house in 1883, and took possession in 1884. 

PENNSYLVANIA HOTEL. 

The Pennsylvania hotel was built by A. C. McKinney in 1872. It is a 
three-story brick building, located on Bellefonte avenue, near the P. &. E. 
railroad. It has a large number of sleeping appartments, and can ac- 
commodate about eighty persons. The building was used for mercantile 
purposes until 1880, when it was purchased by Valentine Sohmers, its 
present proprietor, who opened the hotel the same year. 

OPERA HOUSE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT. 

The Opera House hotel and restaurant was opened by Dr. Preison and 
afterwards conducted by George Ronian and others. It was at one time 
the finest place of its kind in Central Pennsylvania. Its present landlord 
is C. C. Jacobs, who assumed control of the place in 1889. The house 
has some fine rooms, and yuilable accommodations for about ten persons. 
Although the place is not considered a regular hotel, yet its doors are 
always open to tlie right class of individuals, and the accommodations 
are on a par with those of the best hotels in the city. 

UNITED STATES HOTEL. 

The United States hotel (formerly called the Girard house) was erected 
in 1863 by Jacob Smith, its present owner, it is a large three-story frame 
building, located at the corner of Grove and Church streets. Its present 
landlord is Peter Meitzler, who has had charge of the place since 1883. 

BRAINARD HOUSE. 

The Brainard house is a fi'ame structure owned by Scott Bros. It is 
located on Jay street, between Churcli and Main streets. Its present pro- 
prietor is Leonard Lacliat. This hotel is a popular resort for woodsmen, 
and is well and successfully kept. 

beck's HOTEL. 

Beck's hotel was built by Peter Beck in 1871, and kept by him as a 
hotel until W. H. Beck, its present proprietor, took possession. This 
house lias sleeping apartments with room for thirty guests. It is a brick 
structure, located at the corner of Church and Grove streets. 

NATIONAL HOTEL. 

The National hotel, a three-story brick structure, located on Bald Eagle 
street, was built in 1860 and 1861. Its first landlord was a man named 
Hartranft. Its present proprietor is J. C. Schank, who took possession 
of the place in May, 1891. The house is large, and has sleeping apart- 
ments for about eighty persons. 



CITY OFFICERS. 



GOVERNMENT. 

THE government of Lock Haven is vested in a mayor, city council 
(three members from each ward), four aldermen (one from each 
ward). The other city officials are school directors (three from 
each ward), city treasurer, city solicitor, city engineer, superintendent 
of water works, overseer of the poor, chief of police and city auditors. 

The mayors of Lock Haven, since 1870, have been: Hon. L. A. 
Mackey, elected in 1870 ; Hon. J. W. Smith, elected in 1873 ; R. R. 
Bridgens, elected in 1875; R. R. Bridgens, re-elected in 1877; Samuel 
Christ, elected in 1879; W. S. Clawater, elected in 1881. He resigned 
April 8th, 1883, and S. L). Ball was appointed to fill out the unexpired 
term. James Jefferies, elected in 1883; James Jefferies, re-elected in 
1885; R. S. Barker, elected in 1887; George W. Mason, elected in 1889; 
Major John Wynne, elected in 1891. 

POLICE DEPARTMENT. 

Tlie first regular police department of Lock Haven, was organized by 
Hon. L. A. Mackey in March, 1870. Thomas McGhee was the first 
chief of police; John H. McGill and A. W. Fowler were his subordinates. 
During the last year of Hon. L. A. Mackey's term as mayor he appointed 
W. J. Westbrook chief of police, a position he has held nearly ever since. 

The present police force consists of W. J. Westbrook, chief; Patrick 
Ludden, Frank Griffin and John McGill, subordinates. Jacob Strunk 
and A. J. Schuyler are special officers. Charles Waits is a policeman at 
the P. & E. station, and H. B. Geary is police constable, with power to 
make arrests for non-jjayment of city taxes. 

ALDERMEN. 

The present aldermen of Lock Haven are as follows : J. W. Harris, 
Joseph Parsons, Orrin T. Noble and J. P. Anthony. 

CITY COUNCIL. 

The present city council of Lock Haven consists of the following 
named persons: First ward, S. R. Quigley, president, Charles Scheid and 
Hugh McLeod; Second ward, R. D. Peck, L. M. Patterson and X. B. 
Ringler; Third ward, Wilson Kistler, G. W. Hippie and B. F. Geary; 
Fourth ward, R. W. Schell, Samuel Fulton and William Ely. Present 
city treasurer, George P. Shaflfer; superintendent of waterworks, Charles 
Keller; overseer of the poor, P. C. McCailery; city engineer, A. J. 
Bigony. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



MAJOR JOHN WYNNE. 

MAJOR JOHN WYiNNE was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., Sep- 
tember 6th, 1817. He began life as a railroader on the old Portage 
railroad. Later he was employed by the New York & Lake Erie rail- 
way as their Southwestern agent, headquarters at St. Louis, Mo. From 
there he entered the army in 1861, and was placed in control of the military 
railroad for the Western army, which position he held until the close of 
the war. In 1866 he came to Lock Haven and entered the service of the 
Pennsylvania railroad as train dispatcher, which position he heJd for over 
twenty-five years, when, for long and meritorious service, he was placed on 
the retired list by the company. In February, 1891, Major Wynne was 
elected mayor of the city of Lock Haven, a position which he holds at 
the present time. Major Wynne was married March, 1858, to Miss Sarah 
Evans, of Pittsburg, Pa. They have two children, Mrs. J. P. O'Brien, of 
Erie, and Miss Sadie Wynne, at present a teacher in the public schools 
of Lock Haven. Mayor Wynne has made a good official, and shown by 
word and deed that he has the best interests of our city at heart. 



ORRIN T. NOBLE. 

Orrin T. Noble, one of the organizers of the Lock Haven public schools, 
was born in Troy township, Bradford county. Pa., November 22d, 1822. 
He received his education in the Genessee Wesleyan seminary and at the 
Troy academy, and was for a time an assistant in the latter institution. 
In 1846 he came to Howard, Centre county. Pa., where he taught school 
for four years. In 1855 he was called to Lock Haven, to assist Professor 
A. K. Brown in organizing the public schools of the town. He acted as 
assistant for one vear, and then succeeded Professor Brown as principal 
for one term. Mr. Noble gave up teaching in the spring of 1858, having 
been admitted to the Clinton county bar in February of that year. In 
1860 he was elected justice of the peace, which position he held until the 
city received its charter, and since then he has been elected alderman from 
the Fourth ward for five successive terms. Mr. Noble is a prominent 
member of the Odd Fellows and Free Masons. During the time he has 
filled his official position, he ha.s married 320 couples. He is a prominent 
member of the Disciple church, and one of the organizers of the church in 
Lock Haven. He has always been greatly interested in the public schools 
of the city, and has the honor of being one of the organizers of the first 
graded scliool in Central Pennsylvania. Mr. Noble was married June 
17th, 1847, to Catharine Long, of Howard, Centre county. Pa. His 
Qhildren are E, T. Noble, of English Centre, Pa., John and James Noble, 



184 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

both of the Democrat News and Publishing company of Lock Haven, 
Alonzo T. Noble, now a resident of York state, and a daughter, Mary, 
wlio died June 23d, 1883, aged 23 years. 



JOHN W. HARRIS. 

John W, Harris was born in Williamsport, Lycoming county. Pa., 
on February 35th, 1833. His father, William Harris, at the time of his 
death, was sheriflE of Lycoming county. The education of Mr. Harris 
was obtained at the public schools of Williamsport, with the exception of 
one term at Dickinson seminary, of that place. In September, 1859, he 
came to Lock Haven, and engaged in the mercantile business, on Water 
street, in company with his brother, under the firm name of J. G. Harris 
& Brother. For several years he continued in this establishment. 

In 1807 Mr. Harris was elected treasurer by the borough council, 
though the majority of its memVters at that time were Democratic. He 
was appointed postmaster of Lock Haven April 5th, 18G9, at which time 
he sold his interest in the store to his brother. He was reappointed post- 
master March 13th, 1873, to serve a term of four years, and again reap- 
pointed in 1877, and served until 1881, when he was succeeded by General 
Jesse Merrill. In 1885 he was elected alderman from the Third ward of 
Lock Haven, and re-elected in 1890. Mr. Harris was married in Feb- 
ruary, 1863, to a daughter of Andrew White, of Bald Eagle. Their 
children are Andrew W. Harris, at present station agent and operator 
for the Beech Creek railroad company at Castanea, and Charles S. Harris, 
agent for Adams express company at Renovo, Pa. J. W. Harris is a 
gentleman whose merits are recognized by the jiublic. lie is one of the 
best aldermen Lock Haven has ever had. 



JOHN P. ANTHONY. 

John P. Anthony was born at Jersey Shore, August 3d, 1853. His 
father moved his family to Lock Haven in 1857. John P. Anthony was 
educated at the public schools of Lock Haven — Lock Haven Normal 
school, Dickinson seminary and at Union seminary, now called Central 
Pennsylvania college at New Berlin, Pa. He was educated for the min- 
istry, but his tastes were at variance with the profession, and he began 
teaching school, which profession he followed for twenty years. He was 
for many years principal of the First ward schools of Lock Haven. He 
has frequently been spoken of as a can Hdate for county superintendent, 
but would never consent to become a candidate for the office. In Feb- 
ruary, 1891, he was elected alderman from the First ward of Lock Haven. 
Ilis store of learning, combined with sound judgment, makes him a man 
suited in every way for the position he now fills, John P. Anthony was 
married in 1877 to Nannie E. Snyder, of Nittany valley. 



W. J. WESTBROOK. 

W. J. Westbrook, the present efficient chief of police of Lock Haven, was 
born in Tioga county, November 16th, 1833. He came to Clinton county in 




W. 6. WESTBROOK, 
Chief of Police, Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 85 

1853 with a team of horses to work on a lumber job at Ferney Run. The 
following year he went to Kettle Creek and took change of a lumber con- 
tract on Cook's Run for Dyer & Little, and afterwards acted as shipping 
clerk for the same firm. In 1855 and 1856 Mr. Westbrook ran a bakery 
wagon for Parson, Gray & Co., of Lock Haven. He afterwards was em- 
ployed in the planing mill of Hawkins & Co., and remained with tlie firm 
until they were burned out, in 1859. He then secured employment in the 
mill of White, Hippie & Co., where he remained until January, 1865, 
when he had the misfortune to cut off part of his right hand. In the 
spring of the same year he was elected constable of the borough of Lock 
Haven, which position he repeatedly filled until the borough was made a 
city, in 1871. He was appointed chief of police under Hon. L. A. Mackey, 
the first mayor of Lock Haven, and also during the term of John W.Smith, 
which followed that of Mr. Mackey. He then lost the position by the 
change of administration, but was again appointed by Mayor James 
Jefleries, and held the position of chief until 1889, when he resigned to 
accept the position of special railroad detective, offered him by the P. & 
E. railroad company. He held the latter position until June, 1890, 
when he resigned, and was again appointed chief of police by Mayor 
Mason. Prom 1865 until the present time W. J. Westbrook has been an 
officer of the law, and a good one. He has brought many criminals to 
justice, among the number being the notorious Luther Shaffer, who was 
arrested by Chief Westbrook at a lumber camp in Potter county. 

Mr. Westbrook was married New Year's eve, 1857, to Martha Bittner, 
a daughter of Daniel Bittner, one of the organizers of the Trinity M. E, 
church, of Lock Haven. 



13 



COUNTY OFFICIALS. 



HON. JAMES C. QUIGGLE. 

HON. JAMES C. QUIGGLE was born at Lock Haven, December 29th, 
1851. He is a son of the late Hon. James W. Quig^le; his 
mother, who still survives, being a sister of Judge C. A. Mayer. 
In 1856 his parents removed to Philadelphia, and in 1859 he accompanied 
them to Antwerp, Belgium, liis father being United States consul at that 
port, where he sojourned for about two years and a half, and attended 
French and German schools. In November, 1861, he returned to Phila- 
delphia with his parents, wliere he resided, and attended school and 
commercial college. He was intended for the law, and was regularly 
entered as a student in the court of common pleas of Philadelphia, but 
after reading about a year he was compelled to abandon seeking a pro- 
fession, owing to defective eyesight. In October, 1871, before he was 
twenty years of age, he was tendered the office of United States consular 
agent at Cornwall, Can., which he accepted, serving until March 10th, 
1872, when lie resigned. In 1873 he removed to his father's farm in 
Wayne townsliip, this county, where he has since resided (except while 
in Canada), engaged in agricultural and lumbering pursuits. In 1876 he 
was selected to fill an important position in the office of the cliief secre- 
tary of the United States centennial commission at Philadel[)hia, which 
he held for five months. He has been treasurer and auditor of Wayne 
township, and in February, 1879, he was unanimously elected justice of 
the peace, and served until September 1st, 1887, when he resigned to ac- 
cept the post of United States consul at Port Stanley and St. Thomas, 
Can., to which he had been appointed by President Cleveland on August 
31st, 1887, which office he held until April 19th, 1890, when he was 
superseded for purely political reasons by the Harrison administration, 
he having represented his country so acceptably as to call forth the com- 
mendation of the department of state in a special dispatch, thanking him 
for the satisfactory and economical manner in which he conducted the 
business of his office. Before his return from Canada he was unan- 
imously re-elected justice of the peace for Wayne township for Ave years 
from May, 1890, but resigned December 1st, 1890, In August, 1890, he 
was nominated by acclamation for member of assembly by the Demo- 
cratic convention of Clinton county, and elected in November following 
over Captain James W. Fredericks, Republican, and served in the legis- 
lature as a member of the committees on ways and means, federal rela- 
tions, manufacturers and bureau of statistics. Mr. Quiggle has always 
been a consistent Democrat, and taken an active interest in politics. He 
has been a delegate to county conventions, and in 1885 to the Dem<«cratic 
state convention, and for five years he was a member of the Democratic 




HON. cJAMES C, QUIGGLE, 



Present Member of Legislature, McElhattan, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 8/ 

standing committee of Clinton county; in 1884 serving us its secretary. 
On February 33d, 1882, he was married by the Rev. Joseph Nesbitt to 
Miss Elk L. Quiggle, eldest daughter of Jacob Quiggle, Esq., of Pine 
Station, but who, though of the same name, is only distantly related. 



HON. JAMES W. CLARK. 

Hon. James W. Clark was born at Mill Hall, Pa., July 28th, 1843. 
He is a son of David and Eliza Clark. He received his early educa- 
tion in the public schools of Mill Hall. In November, 1857, he entered 
the office of the Clinton Democrat as an apprentice, under H. L. DiefiEen- 
bach. He remained in the Democrat office until August, 1862, when ke 
enlisted in Company C, 137th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
served during the nine months' service. On receiving his discharge he 
returned to Lock Haven, and secured a clerkship'in the post-office, under 
Postmaster Coe. In June, 1864, he was appointed mail agent on the 
train, with a run from Lock Haven to Ridgway, receiving the appoint- 
ment under Lincoln's administration, and re-appointed under Johnson. 
After filling the position for several years, he entered the office of the 
Clinton Democrat, under Whaley & Orth, and followed his trade until 
the summer of 1876, when he received the nomination for register and re- 
corder of Clinton county; was elected in November, and duly sworn into 
office January 1st, 1877; re-elected in 1879, and again re elected in 1883. 
After his third term had expired, he opened a book and stationery store 
in the opera house block, and continued in the business until February, 
1890, vvhen lie sold out to Seltzer & Rhimestine. In August, 1890, he re- 
ceived the nomination of his party for the office of associate Judge; was 
elected, and is holding the office at the present time. Judge Clark was 
married in June, 1880, to Barbara Brady, a daughter of Samuel and 
IMargaret Brady. They have no children. He is a member of the Dem- 
ocratic News and Publishing company of Lock Haven, and its heaviest 
stockholder. Politically he is, of course, a Democrat ; socially, a jovial 
companion; as an individual, noted for his liberality and kindness of 
heart, as his purse strings are always open to aid any charitable object. 



HON. JAMES W. CRAWFORD. 

Judge James W. Crawford, one of the present associate judges of 
Clinton county, was born at Chatham's Run, CUinton county, Pa.. Oc- 
tober 15th, 1833. His father, James Allison Crawford, was one of the 
early settlers of the West Branch. He was a tanner by trade, and fol- 
lowed the business at Chatham's Run until 1842, when he purchased what 
is known as the "Duncan Farm," on Pine creek. The family moved on 
their farm in 1842, and remained until they moved to Lock Haven, in 
1847. Judge Crawford attended school for a number of years in the old 
school house that stood on the lower end of Main street, and also attended 
the Lock Haven academy. In the fall of 1851 he was sent to Young- 
woman's town (now North Bend), to take charge of a store for his father 



1 88 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

and Michael Quigley, who had embarked iu the mercantile business at 
that place a short time before. After having charge of the store for three 
years he purchased his father's interest, and became a partner of Michael 
Quigley. He was appointed postmaster by President Fillmore in 1853, 
and held the position until 1868, when he resigned. He has held various 
township oiSces from time to time, and has always been one of the lead- 
ing men in his township. In 1886 was elected associate judge of Clinton 
county by the Democratic party, and re-elected to the same office in 1891. 
Judge Crawford was married September 6th, 1854, to Frances Quigley. a 
daughter of Michael Quigley. They have had seven children, five daugli- 
ters and two sons. Two daughters and one son are dead. Judge Craw- 
ford has followed farming and lumbering for a number of years, and he 
might truly be called a farmer, a lumberman and a politician. 



JOHN F. BROWN. 

John F. Brown, present prothonotary of Clinton county, was born on 
a farm in Bald Eagle township, November 8th, 1856, His parents moved 
to Lock Haven in 1864. He attended the public schools and diiferent 
private schools until 1874, when he entered the prothonotary's office as 
clerk, under his fatiier, W. II. Brown. One year later he was appointed 
deputy prothonotary, and held the position until June 1st, 1878, when he 
entered the mercantile business, which he followed for one year. He 
then entered Eastman's business college, where he graduated in 1881. 
January 1st, 1882, he secured a position as book-keeper for the firm of 
L, Allison & Co,, boot and shoe manufacturers, of Canisteo, N, Y, In 
September, 1882, he was appointed deputy prothonotary by L, R, McGill. 
On the death of the latter, which occurred August 12th, 1886, he was ap- 
pointed prothonotary by Governor Pattison, In November, 1887, was 
elected to the office, and re-elected in 1890 Mr. Brown was married 
October 21st, 1883, to Maggie A. Sloan, daughter of J. N. Sloan, of Lock 
Haven, 



ALVA S. GROW. 

Alva S. Grow, the present register and recorder of Clinton county, was 
born at Mill Hall, Clinton county, Pa., July 28th, 1856. His father was 
Mathias Grow, who enlisted in Company C, 137th Regiment, Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, and who died at Findlay hospital, Washington, D, C, 
December, 1862. The subject of this sketch was educated at the soldiers' 
orphan schools of the state, attending for a time the orphan school at 
McAlisterville, Juniata county. Pa. In October, 1872, he entered the 
office of the Clinton Democrat, where he spent three years learning the ar' 
preservative, and assisting the editor, Hon. J. C, C, Whaley, with the 
local department of his paper. In October, 1877, he became a member 
of the Journal association, in company with IraM. Harvey, John T. Noble 
and H. Byxbe, In the spring of 1878 Mr. Grow went to Bellefonte, 
)yhere he became local editor of the Bellefonte Republican. In February, 




R. S. GROW, 



Register and Recorder, and Clerk of the Orphans' Court. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 89 

1879, he was elected assistant burgess on the same ticket with General 
D. H. ITastings, who was elected chief burgess. Mr. Grow remained in 
Bellefonte until July 1st, 1879, when he returned to Lock Haven and 
purchased the Journal newspaper establishment. He was the first person 
to introduce printing by steam in Clinton county, and was also owner of 
the most rapid press ever used in the county, even up to the present time. 
In December, 1883, the Journal fixtures were sold to a New York party, 
and for a time Mr. Grow occupied a position on the Philadelphia Times. 
In the spring of 1884 he became a member of the firm of George T. 
Bisel & Co., publishers and booksellers of Philadelphia, remaining with 
this firm until May, 1889, when he sold out his interest and came back 
to Lock Haven. The car which contained his household goods was de- 
stroyed by fire on June 1st, 1889, while standing in six feet of water in 
the railroad company's yard. It had just reached the city on the night 
previous to the great June flood of 1889, and caught fire from a car loaded 
with lime, which stood near. Upon his an-ival in Lock Haven, Mr. 
Grow entered the insurance office of Charles O'Connor, as general man- 
ager of that gentleman's extensive business. In August, 1891, he re- 
ceived the nomination of the Republican party for register and recorder 
of Clinton county, and at the November election was elected by a majority 
of 582 over James C. Smith, the Democratic candidate. He assumed the 
duties of his office January 1st, 1893. 

The Pennsylvania Grit, of October 25th, 1891, speaks of Mr. Grow, as 
follows: "During Mr. Grow's management of lh& Journal he was dis- 
tinguished for his persistent advocacy of the establishment of manufac- 
turing enterprises. The importance of Lock Haven as a lumber center 
was on the decline in the latter part of the '70's; one by one the mills 
were going, never to return. Mr. Grow saw that there must be a new 
Lock Haven or the place would become a mere 'way station' in the com- 
mercial and manufacturing world. His newspaper was often ridiculed 
for its constant hammering for something new. And yet how well his 
work and words told may easily be reckoned. But this constant ham- 
mering resulted in much good, and was a great agent in the establish- 
ment of the following industries: The Pennsylvania pulp and paper 
company, Lock Haven furniture manufacturing company, Lock Haven 
nail mill, Lock Haven clay works. Queen's Run fire brick works. West 
Branch furniture company. In the paper mill and both furniture fac- 
tories Mr. Grow performed personal work in addition to his newspaper 
utterances, and he has helped other men to permanent pf sitions, and 
many of the friends of former days are now filling places of honor and 
trust in the factories he helped to build. Yet he has never profited di- 
rectly from any of the enterprises named." 



WILLIAM MARSHALL EVERHART. 

William Marshall Everhart was born in the village of Jacksonville, 
Centre county. Pa., March 5th, 1841; was educated in the public schools; 
spent his boyhood days on a farm ; upon the breaking out of the rebel- 



190 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

lion he volunteered in August, 1862, as a private in Company E, 137th 
Pa. Vols., and was discharged, as sergeant, in March, 1863; immediately 
re-enlisted in Company L, 16th Pa. Cavalry, for three years, or during 
the war; was commissioned second lieutenant Company B, of the same 
regiment, and afterwards was commissioned first lieutenant of the com- 
pany, and was mustered out of the service September, 1865, as brevet 
captain of the U. S. army: received a gun shot wound in each forearm; 
was married in January, 1865, (when home on a fui'lough) to Miss Lizzie 
W^orriek, daughter of Hon. George Worrick, of Mackeyville, Pa. Upon 
returning home he settled upon a farm, and continued in that business 
until the fall of 1890, when he was elected sheriff of Clinton county, 
which position he now occupies. 



S. WOODS CALDWELL. 

S. Woods Caldwell was born in Limestone township, Montour county, 
(then Cumberland) Pa., May 18th, 1845. He was educated in the public 
schools of Limestone township, and finished his school days with a few 
terms at the Limestone academy. In 1865, in company with a bi'other, 
who resided at Titusville, Pa., he engaged in the oil business in Western 
Pennsylvania for three years. In 1868 he came to Lock Haven, where 
he clerked in several of the different stores tor a period of three years. 
In 1871, in company with J. R. Schmucker, he purchased the Irvin 
house. In a short time he purchased the interest in the hotel held by 
Mr. Schmucker, and since then has conducted the business himself. In 
1878 Mr. Caldwell entered political life and became an irregular candi- 
date for state senator in the district composed of Centre, Clinton and 
Clearfield counties, against Hon. C. T. Alexander, the Democratic nom- 
inee. Although he was defeated, he reduced the majority of Mr. Alexan- 
der to fully one-half below his party's strength. In the winter of 1880 
Mr. Caldwell was nominated for the legislature, by the Democrats of 
Clinton county, over Judge Rankin, to fill a vacancy caused by the death 
of Hon. J. C. C. Whaley. At the ensuing election he was elected over 
General Jesse Merrill, the Republican nominee, by 751 majority. In 1882 
he was presented as a candidate for state senator, by the Democrats of 
Clinton county, but withdrew from the contest because an attempt had 
been made to bribe or corrupt his conferees. In August, 1890, he re- 
ceived the nomination for county treasurer, and was elected in Novem- 
ber, and at present holds the position. 



LYONS MUSSINA. 

Lyons Mussina, one of the present county commissioners of Clinton 
county, was born at Aaronsburg, Centre county, Pa., February 24th, 
1827. Mr. Mussina attended the public schools until 1844, when he went 
to Huntington, Pa., to learn the printing business. After working at 
Huntington two years he came to Salona, this county, where he clerked 
in the store of A. H. Best for three years. In 1850 he came to Lock 




HENRY T. cJARRETT, 
Lo;k Haven, Pa. 



fASt AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. IQI 

Haven, and clerked in the register and recorder's otfice, under Thomas 
McGhee, for one year. In 1851, in company with George A. Crawford, he 
edited tlie Clinton Democrat for two years. In 1854 he was elected treas- 
urer of Clinton county. In 185G he entered the mercantile business, as a 
member of the firm of Myers & Mussina. While engaged in the latter 
business he was elected paying teller, and afterwards cashier, of the Lock 
Haven Bank, afterwards known as the Lock Haven National Bank, of 
which L. A. Mackey was then president. Mr. Mussina held this posi- 
tion for twenty years. In the meantime he became a partner of Thomas 
Reed, in the coal, feed and ice business, and is yet one of the firm of 
Mussina & Reed. In August, 1890, he was nominated for county com- 
missioner, by the Democrats of Clinton county, and elected at the No- 
vember election by a flattering majority. 



HENRY T. JARRETT. 

Henry T. Jarrett was born at AUentown, Pa., September 2d, 1842. He 
is the eldest son of Colonel Phoan Jarrett, who died at his home, in Lock 
Haven, September 16th, 1876, The other members of the family are Mrs. 
H. Howard Otto, of Williamsport, and Frederick Jarrett, of this city. H, 
T. Jarrett received his early education in the schools of Ailentown. Af- 
ter taking a course in the Ailentown academy he entered Millersville nor- 
mal school, where he remained two yeai's. He then spent several years at 
what is now Pennsylvania state college, then called the "Farm school." 
During the greater part of the term of George W. Batcheler as prothono- 
tary of Clinton county, H. T. Jarrett acted as his deputy. He also 
served as deputy in the register and recorder's office during the time 
James W. Clark held the oliice. In company with R. R. Bridgens he 
erected the Milton water works, and in company with P. W. Keller, the 
Bloomsburg gas works. In 1890 he secured the contract for laying what 
is known as the "Two Mile Extension" to the water pipes of the city of 
Lock Haven. He also erected the original water works of Renovo. In 
January, 1892, he was appointed deputy register and recorder by Alva S, 
Grow. Politically he is a Democrat, but is holding a position at the pi'es- 
ent time under a Republican official. Henry T. Jarrett was married in 
1878 to Mary Brady, a daughter of Samuel and Margaret Brady. Colonel 
Jarrett, as he is familiarly called, is one of Lock Haven's most respected 
citizens, yet, like Henry Clay, he is one whom his party has failed to 
honor. He has never held an elective office in the county, although 
much of his life has been spent assisting those who have been fortunate. 
Mr. Jarrett is at present a trustee of the Lock Haven Normal school. 



D. IRVINE McNAUL. 

D. Irvine McNaul, the present deputy sheriff of Clinton county, was 
born in Lamar township, Clinton county. May 24th, 1852. He is a son of 
John McNaul, now a resident of Salona, but for many years a prominent 
farmer of Lamar township. The McNaul family moved to Curwens- 



192 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

ville, Pa., in 1853, and remained there until 1864, when they returned to 
this county and located on what is known as the "McNaul Farm," near 
Salona. D. I. McNaul attended the public schools, and became a teacher 
in 1871. He followed the profession for twelve years. In 1883 he turned 
his attention to farming, which vocation he successfully followed until he 
was appointed deputy sheriff of Clinton county by W, M. Everhart, Febru- 
ary, 1891. Mr. McNaul was married in 1879 to Kate Eldred, a daughter of 
Hon. George J. Eldred, of Mackeyville, Clinton county, Pa. Apart from 
the education he received in the public schools, Mr. McNaul attended 
one term at Lowell's business college, at Binghamton, N. Y. This com- 
pleted his educational advantages, yet lew men possess superior business 
qualifications. Mr. McNaul has made a good official, and has acquired 
many friends. 

ELLERY S. McNAUL. 
Ellery S. McNaul, the present clerk for the Clinton county commis- 
sioners, was born at Curwensville, Pa., February 5th, 1860. Mr. McNaul 
received his early education in the public schools in Lamar township. 
In the fall of 1877 he began teaching, and followed the profession until 
1882, when he went to Crookston, Minnesota, whei-e he became business 
manager of an independent paper called Tlie Northern Tier. He held 
this position until 1884, when he established a paper of his own at a place 
called Posston, about four miles from the Red Lake Indian reservation. 
His paper was called the Thirteen Toims, and was started for the purpose 
of booming that section. The paper is still in existence. In the fall of 
1884 Mr. McNaul returned to Clinton county, and for the next two years 
engaged in various occupations. He was appointed commissioners' clerk 
May 1st, 1886, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry Smith. 
He was reappointed in 1888 and again in 1891. Ellery S. McNaul was 
married May, 1886, to Mary Hall, a sister of Henry T. Hall, attorney at 
law. Lock Haven. 

JAMES A. WENSEL. 
James A. Wensel was born in the borough of Beech Creek, and re- 
ceived his education in the public schools of that place. He left school 
in 1884 to become time-keeper on the construction work of the Beech 
Creek railroad, which position he held until January 1st, 1885, when he 
entered the office of Sheriff D. M. May as his deputy. In August, 1886, 
he was elected chairman of the Democratic countv committee, which po- 
sition he held until he received the nomination of his party for sheriff in 
June, 1887. The Republicans and Knights of Labor being united, at 
the November election he was defeated, by a small majority, by W. J. 
Leahy, one of the most popular Republicans in the county. In Septem- 
ber, 1888, Mr. Wensel accepted the position of deputy prothonotary un- 
der John F. Brown, holding the position until January, 1891, when he 
resigned to become assistant county treasurer, under S. Woods Caldwell, 
which position he now fills. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 93 

DAVID M. BRUNGARD. 

David M. Brungard was born near Loganton, Clinton county, Pa., 
February 2Gth, 1849, and is of Pennsylvania German lineage. His an- 
cestors were among the early settlers of the lower portion of the county. 
His boyhood and youth were spent principally on the farm. During the 
winter season he enjoyed such educational advantages as the district 
school could give in the short term of four months. In 1864-5 he at- 
tended a select school, walking a distance of four miles. His career as a 
teacher began in 1866 in the log school house where, in boyhood, he at- 
tended school. In 1867 sevei'al terms were spent at a Normal institute, 
after which he taught one term in Centre county, five terms a mile east 
of Loganton, two at Booneville, seven at Loganton, two at Renovo, and 
three in Lock Haven, as principal of the Second ward schools, besides 
four summer terms in 1 he Keatings. In 1887, while principal of the Sec- 
ond ward schools. Lock Haven, he was elected to the county superiTi- 
tendeney of public schools, and again re-elected in 1890 without ojjposi- 
tion. During his superintendency the schools and institutes have risen 
to such a plane of efficiency that they have acquired a reputation for good 
among the best exponents of our school system in Pennsylvania. Much 
of this is due to his large experience in rural and the graded schools of 
town and city, and to his untiring energy and unswerving fidelity to 
duty. In June, 1891, Central Pennsylvania college conferred on him the 
degree of Master of Arts. In March. 1892, he was elected a member of 
the faculty of the Central i-tate normal school for the spring term. 



MEMBERS OF CLINTON COUNTY BAR. 



HON. CHARLES A. MAYER. 

HON. CHARLES A. MAYER was born in York county, Pa., Decem- 
ber 15th, 1830. When yet a child his parents moved to Chara- 
bersburg, Franiilin county. Pa., where he received his early edu- 
cation. After taking a thorough course of training in the academy of 
Chambersburg, he entered Franklin and Marshall college, and graduated 
in the class of '51. 

He commenced the study of his profession with that well-known firm 
of lawyers. White & Quiggle. Judge Mayer was admitted to the bar in 
1853, and located in Lock Haven, Pa., and became the partner of the 
Hon. J. W. Quiggle. In five years he distinguished himself as an advo- 
cate and lawyer, and at once stood at the head of the bar. In 1868 he 
was elected president judge of the judicial district composed of the coun- 
ties of Clearfield, Centre and Clinton. In 1878 he was re-elected in the 
same district by an increased majority ; and in 1888 was re-elected in his 
present district without opposition from either party. The judge is now 
serving his third term, and will have served, at the end of this term, 
thirty years. He seems to be growing in the affection and confidence of 
his people tnore and more each year. His decisions are hardly ever ques- 
tioned or disputed — nearly always affirmed by the Supreme Court ; not 
another judge in the state has a record like his, and not another judge 
has the confidence of the court to a greater extent than he. The judge 
is now 60 years of age — but looks and acts like a man of 50 — of fine ap- 
pearance, one of the most sociable and agreeable gentlemen in society, and 
the writer would not be surprised to see the judge fill his fourth term. 



W. C. KRESS. 
W. C. Kresswasbornin Anthony township, Lycoming county. Pa., June 
14th, 1836. He lived with his parents upon their farm until lie reached 
the age of seventeen, when he began teaching school, from which source 
he saved sufficient to pay his way at the Williamsport Dickinson sem- 
inary, whre he graduated in 1859. In June, 1861, he started the Lock 
Haven Press, a Republican weekly newspaper, in Lock Haven, which he 
published and edited until he entered the army. While he was in the 
army, December, 1862, his printing office was burned down in the great 
fire of that year. He enlisted in the army in August, 1862, in Company 
E, 137th Regiment Pa. Vols., and was elected first lieutenant of that 
company. He was discharged from his regiment in June, 1863, and in 
July, of the same year, he was elected captain of Company K, 37th 
Regiment Pa. Militia, and joined the army of the Cumberland valley. 




W. C, KRESS. ESQ- 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 95 

When his regiment was mn-tered out of service, he was aitpointed deputy- 
provost marshal of tliis district, in which position he served until the 
close of the war. While in the discharge of this duty he was shot by 
Isaac Gaines, Jr., in Keating township, Clinton county, Pa., the Vjullet 
entering his body under tlie right arm and passing thi-ough both lungs, 
but he was reserved for future usefulness. 

Mr. Kress had nearly completed his preparation for the bar when he 
enlisted, and after the close of the war he finished his studies and was 
adinitteil to practice in the several courts of Clinton county at the May 
term, 18G0. 

In 18G7, 1872, 1885 and 1890 he represented Clinton county in the re- 
spective Republican state conventions of those years. He has several 
times served as chairman of the Republican county committee, and also 
has, on several occasions, been a member of the Republican state central 
committee. He represented the First ward of the city of Lock Haven in 
the city council from 1881 to 1884. He was a member of the electoral 
college in 1888. He was elected a member of select council, of the city 
of Lock Haven, as council man-at-largo, under the act of 1889, and 
served as president of that body for about one year, until the act was 
declared unconstitutional. In 1891 Mr. Kress was chosen by the Repiib- 
Jicans of his district as their candidate for delegate to the constitutional 
convention. He is a member and past commander of John S. Bittner 
post, No. 122, department of Pennsylvania. 

While always an active Republican, yet he has never sought office. 
His life-work has been the practice of his profession. He is a natural 
lawyer. Courageous, logical and adroit, he is, as a lawyer, regarded the 
peer of the best of his contemporaries. He has proved equal to every duty 
that has been put upon him. His practice has not been confined to 
Clinton county, but in many other courts he has sustained the well- 
earned reputation which he possesses at home. 



chari.es corss. 

Rev. Charles Chapin Corss first settled at Kingston, Pa., as pastor of 
the Presbyterian church, where he married Ann, daughter of Ziba Hoyl. 
Their first child, the subject of this sketch, was born in Kingston on 
July 20th, 1837. His parents soon after moved to Athens, Pa., and after- 
wards to East Smithfield, Pa., where his father now resides, and, at the 
age of 89, still occasionally fills the pulpit of the church over which he 
was pastor for manv years. Charles Corss was prepared for the Fresh- 
man class in college by his father at home, never having attended any 
school. In 1851 his mother died, when he went to Kingston to live with 
his grand parents. While there he was a pupil in Wyoming seminary, 
and also an instructor of certain classes in mathematics and latin. In 
the winter of 1852-"53, he taught a district school near his father's home, 
in Smith held. In the spring of 1854 he entered the Sophomore class, 
half advanced, in La Fayette college, at Easton, Pa., where he graduated 



196 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

in 1856. He spoke one of the junior orations in college in 1855, the val- 
edictory in 1856, which was then the first honor in the class, and one of 
the three masters' orations in 1859, at which time he received in course 
the degree of Master of Arts. He was tutor in La Fayette college for two 
years, during which time he studied law in tiie office of Judge Henry D, 
Maxwell, and was admitted to the bar in Easton in the spring of 1860. 
In the summer of 1860 he united with his father's church in Smithfield, 
and on November 10th, 1860, took up his abode in Lock Haven, where 
he has continued ever since in the practice of his profession. For up- 
wards of twenty years he has been a ruling elder in the Great Island 
church, (Presbyterian,) at Lock Haven. On April 23d, 1862, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Sarah A. Kennedy, of Belvidere, N. J., who died in April, 
1880, leaving to his care three children, one of whom died in infancy, a 
few months after her mother. In 1881 he went abroad with his two sur- 
viving children, Jeannie and James. Their trip covered Egypt, as 
far as Thebes and Karnak, the Holy Land, Italy, Switzerland, France 
and England. His daughter Jeannie graduated with the first honors 
of her class at Bradford academy, Haverhill, Mass., in 1883, and is 
now married to John F. McCormick, son of R. W. McCormick, Esq., 
and living in Lock Haven. James K. Corss graduated at Amherst col- 
lege, Amherst, Mass., in June, 1889, and is now in the university at 
Philadelphia, where he expects to receive the degree of M. D. in the 
coming May. The subject of this sketch was married in June, 1889, to 
Emma, youngest daughter of ex-Governor James Pollock, of Philadel- 
phia, Pa., with whom he is now living. They have a son, Charles Pol- 
lock Corss, born February 27th, 1892. 



SEYMOUR DURELL BALL. 

Seymour Durell Ball was born at Milton, Northumberland county. Pa., 
on January 30th, 1826. Francis Ball was his father. His mother's 
maiden name was Charlotte Jordan. He was educated in the public 
schools of Milton, and at the Milton academy, where he was mainly under 
the tutoi'ship of Henry McGuire, a worthy successor of the well-known 
and successfial teacher, David Kirkpatrick. His father died while he was 
at school in 1840. In 1843 he applied for one of the Milton public 
schools. On account of his age he had considerable opposition, but 
secured the school. He studied law while teaching at Milton and at 
Bloomsburg, attended McCartney's law school at Easton, Pa., for a short 
time, and finally was prepared for examination and admission to the bar 
under Alexander Jordan, who was soon after elected president judge of 
the eighth judicial district of Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the 
bar at Sunbury in May, 1849 ; commenced the practice of law in Schuyl- 
kill county. Pa.; was married to Mary J. Pollock in 1855, and in August, 
1859, removed to Lock Haven, Pa., where he has continued in the prac- 
tice of the law to the present time. He was a member of Captain Samuel 
H. Brown's Company A, 38th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, from 
•which service he was honorably discharged, August 7th, 1863. In the 




CHARLES CORSS, ESQ. 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. I97 

city of Lock Haven he has served as a member and president of the board 
of manaf!:ers of Hij^hland cemetery company, as a member, president and 
vice president of the board of trustees of the Central Normal School Asso- 
ciation of the state of Pennsylvania, as mayor of the city, as president of 
the board of trade of the city, as president of the Lock Haven library 
company, and since February 13th, 1878, has been on the committee ap- 
pointed by Hon. C. A. Mayer, president judije of the twenty-fifth judicial 
district, to examine applicants for registration as law students, and for 
admission to the bar of Clinton county. 



T. T. ABRAMS. 
T. T. Abrams was born in Wormelsdorf, Berks county. Pa., February 
23d, 1838; attended common schools until 17 years of age, when he began 
teaching, and part of the year attended Marshall college at Mercersberg, 
Pa., (now Fi'anklin and Marshall college;) came to Williamsport, Pa., in 
1846, where he taught the Williamsport academy for five years, at the 
same time studied law with General Robert Fleming; was admitted in 
the courts of Lycoming county in 1851. In 1852 he located in Lock 
Haven, and began practicing law in Clinton county iu partnership with 
H. T. Beardsley, Esq. There were then but six members of the bar, Mr. 
Abrams making tlie seventh, and the second year went into paitnership 
with Hon. L. A. Mackey. This continued until Mr. Mackey became a 
banker, when he and Cline G. Furst, Esq., formed a partnership, and in 
1858 he became a partner of Judge Mayer. Mr. Abrams practiced law 
in Freeport, 111., for some six years, and came back to Lock Haven in 
1873, where he has been in active practice of law ever since. He served 
as district attorney of Clinton county for four years. He succeeded Hon. 
James W. Quiggle, who was elected state senator. He served as school 
director for a number of years in the early history of the town. It was 
during his term of district attorney that the first murder trial in Clinton 
county was tried — Commonwealth vs. Pfoutz. Mr. Abrams is now 60 
years old; is still in active practice, and holds his own in the profession 
in any of the legal contests that come up in court. Age doesn't seem to 
aflfect him in his practice. July 29th, 1892, T. T. Abrams was appointed 
district attorney to succeed A. W", Brungard. 



GENERAL JESSE MERRILL. 
General Jesse Merrill was born in New Berlin, Union county. Pa., 
March 38th, 1836. He is a son of James Merrill, who was a prominent 
lawyer of Union county, and a member of the Pennsylvania constitu- 
tional convention of 1838. The subject of this sketch attended the jjub- 
lic schools of New Berlin until he reached his sixteenth year. He then 
spent one year at the Tuscarora academy, in Juniata county. Pa., after 
which he began teaching school, and followed the prolession for about 
four years. He then began the study of law with his brother at New 
Berlin. The following year he entered the law office of Lawson & Brown, 
at Milton, Pa., where he remained at his studies until 1859, when he was 



198 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

admitttd to practice law in the courts of Northumberland county, Pa. 
He shortly afterwards came to Lock Haven, where he has remained ever 
since. General Merrill enlisted in Company D, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
in the sprim? of 1861, and received a commission as second lieutenant. 
In the fall of the same year he was detailed for duty in the signal service 
corps. When the signal corps was organized as a separate branch of the 
service, he was transferred from his company with the rank of captain. 
In January, 1862, he was appointed to organize the signal service in the 
army of the Ohio, and he took command the following spring. By virtue 
of his position as signal officer, Captain Merrill was on the staff of Gen- 
erals Buel, Rosecrans and Thomas, as they in succession commanded the 
army of the Ohio, which afterwards became the arrav of the Cumberland. 
In the fall of 1864 he went East on a sick leave, and was soon after as- 
signed to duties in the army of the Potomac and James, and later to the 
department at the South, where he had his headquarters at Hilton Head, 
South Carolina. Here he remained until mustered out of service, in Oc- 
tober, 1865. It: was at this time that he was bre vetted major by President 
Johnson for long, faithful and meritorious services. He returned to 
Lock Haven in November, 1865, and resumed the practice of law. In 
April, 1871, he was appointed major-general of tiie National Guard of 
Pennsylvania by Governor Geary. It was during his term as commander 
that the 11th Division was called out to quell the riot at Williamsport. 
In 1880 General Merrill received the Republican nomination for assem- 
bly, but was def ated by S. Woods Caldwell, the Democratic nominee. 



c. s. Mccormick. 

Probably one of the best known citizens of Clinton county at the pres- 
ent time is C. S. McCormick. Mr. McCormick is a son of Robert Mc- 
Cormick. He was born near Lock Haven in 1835. His early life was 
spent on a farm, and his early education was received in the pioneer 
schools of this section. In 1854 he entered La Payette college, and grad- 
uated from that institution in the class of 1858. After his graduation he 
read law in the office of C. G. Furst, Esq., Lock Haven. He was ad- 
mitted to tlie Clinton county bar in 1860. Mr. McCormick married, in 
1862. Sue Fleming, a daugliter of Algeron S. Fleming. He is a prominent 
member of the Presbyterian church of Lock Haven, and has been one of 
its ruling elders since 1874. He has been superintendent of the Presby- 
terian Sunday school for many years. He ranks among the leaders of 
the Clinton county bar, and has frequently been spoken of as a candidate 
for the judicial chair of the district, ami as a candidate for congress. 



HENRY T. HARVEY. 

Henry T. Harvey was born at Salona, Clinton county, Pa., October 
22d, 1842. He is the son of Dr. George C. Harvey, who practiced medi- 
cine in this vicinity for twenty years, and was one of the associate judges 
of Clinton county. Henry T. Harvey attended the old Lcck Haven 




T. C. HIPPLE, ESQ., 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 1 99 

academy for three years, when that institution was under tlie principal- 
ship of Professor Rodgers. After leaving the academy he attended the 
Pennsylvania state college, and was graduated from that institution in 
1862. He then began the study of law with Orvis & Corss, and completed 
his law studies with T. T. Abrams. He was admitted to practice in De- 
cember, 1864. In 1869 he was admitted to practice in the United States 
courts. Soon afterward he was nominated by the Republican party for 
the office of district attorney. In 1873 he declined the county nomina- 
tion for congress. In 1876 he received the nomination of Clinton county 
for congress, but did not allow his name to go before the nominating con- 
vention of the district. In 1872 Mr. Harvey was married to a daughter 
of Ex-Governor James Pollock. In 1876 he was a delegate to the National 
Republican convention, which met at Cincinnati, and voted for Blaine for 
president. He has been a member of the State normal school board of 
trustees since the organization of the school, and also a member of the 
board of trustees for the Pennsylvania state college. He has been a di- 
rector and solicitor of the State bank of Lock Haven for several years, 
and is the president of the Lock Haven trust and safe deposit company, 
which he was instrumental in organizing. 



TORRENCE C. HIPPLE. 

Torrence C, Hippie was born in the town of Jersey Shore, Lycoming 
county. Pa., December loth, 1845. His early education was received in 
the schools of Jersey Shore. In 1861 his parents moved to Lock Haven. 
Mr. Hippie graduated from Dickinson seminary, in 1865, will) liighest 
honors. After reading law Tor three years in the office of Mayer & Ball, 
of Lock Haven, he entered the law department of the University at 
Albany, N. Y., and graduated from that institution in 1868. xVfter his 
graduation he was admitted to the Clinton county bar. Since that time 
he has followed the practice of law, and rapidly forced his way to the 
front rank of his profession. Mr. Hippie is one of the most useful and 
public spirited citizens of Lock Haven. His worth as a lawyer and as .1 
citizen is acknowledged by his fellow men. He has risen to his present 
high standing among the members of his profession by energy and hard 
work. Mr. Hippie is a prominent member of the Knights Templar, be- 
ing one of the past grand commanders of the Grand commandery of that 
honorable fraternity. He has held several positions of honor and trust, 
and has never been found wanting. In fact he is one of the representa- 
tive citizens of Clinton county, worthy and capable of occupying any 
position within the gift of the people. 



W. H. CLOUGH. 

W. H. Clough was born at Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Febru- 
ary 4th, 1842. He received his education in the public schools, and at 
Franklin academy, at Dover, N. H. He entered the command of General 



200 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Buell in 1861, and, with the exception of one year, served duriue: the whole 
of the war. He was a member of Company E, 7th Pa. Cavalry. Receiving 
his discharge, in 1865, he came to Lock Haven, where he acted as book- 
keejjer until 1868, when he entered the law office of Charles Corss, Esq., 
where he read law for two years, and was admitted to the Clinton county 
bar in 1870. In 1876 Mr. Clough was appointed district attorney to fill 
out the unexpired term of William Parsons. In 1877 he was elected to 
the said office, and served one term. With the exception of two years, 
spent in the West, Mr. Clough has followed his profession in Lock Haven 
since 1870. On April 1st, 1890, he entered into partnership with John 
B. Myers, and since that time he has been senior member of the firm of 
Clough & Myers. Mr. Clough is a Democrat, and a useful member of 
his j)arty. 



JOHN B. MYERS. 

John B. Myers, junior member of the firm of Clough & Myers, was 
born in Lock Haven, August 2d, 1863. He attended tlie public schools 
of the city, and graduated from the High school in 1877, after which he 
spent two years at tlie Lock Haven normal school. In 1879 he entered 
La Fayette college, and graduated from that institution in tlie class of '82. 
After his graduation he read law in the office of C. S. McCormick, and 
was admitted to the bar of Clinton county in 1885. He was city solic- 
itoi- for several years, and the firm of which he is a member is acting in 
that capacty at the present time. Mr. Myers was connected with his 
present partner, W. H. Clough, in defending John Johnson, who was 
accused of being an accomplice of Luther Shaffer in the murder of the 
Colbys, and through their untiring efforts Johnson was acquitted. J. B. 
Myers is an ardent Republican, and one of the leaders of his party. Al- 
though one of the youngest members at the bar, he is meeting with 
abundant success. 



W. A. WHITE. 

W. A. White was born in what is now Beech Creek borough, Clinton 
county, April 9th 1843. His early education was obtained at the public 
schools of the borough. Prom 1856 to 1860 he attended the West Branch 
High school at Jersey Shore, Pa., where he completed the course and 
prepared for college. In 1861 he entered Jefferson college— now Wash- 
ington and Jefferson — located at Little Washington, Washington county. 
Pa., graduating from thiit institution in 1865. He then came to Lock 
Haven and read law in the office of Cline G. Furst, Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to the Clinton county bar in 1868. After his admission to the 
bar he entered into a partnership with T. C. Hippie, which lasted for 
two years; he then started an office of his own, and has remained by him- 
self ever since. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 20I 

PAUL S. MERRILL, ESQ. 

Paul S. Bleri ill was boni Deccinber 24th, 1809, at Newberryport, Mass. 
Ir> early youth he left his home and located at Blanchard, Maine, where 
he remained for a number of years. In June, 1870, he located in Lock 
Haven, where he has remained ever since. Mr. Merrill was married 
November 17Lli, 1835, to Caroline Blanchard, of Cumberland, Maine. 
They have had ten children, seven of whom are living. They are George 
B. Merrill, of Williamsport ; John C. Merrill, of Lock Haven; Mrs. 
George A. Shappleigh, of Denver, Col. ; Miss Dora B. Merrill, of Akron, 
Ohio; Mi's. Elizabeth Carskaddon and Misses Margaret and Eva Merrill, 
of Lock Haven. 

Mr. Merrill has been for many years secretary and treasurer of the 
Highland cemetery company, and for several years has held the same 
position in the Lock Haven library association. He has been a trustee of 
the Central state normal school ever since it was established. 

Pauls. Merrill was admitted to the bar of Clinton county in 1870, and 
to the Lycoming county bar the same year. He is a liberal hearted man, 
always ready to help those in distress. Although now in his 83d year he 
has not given up active business, and can daily be seen at his office. 

Note.— Paul S. Merrill died suddenly Sunday morning, June 12th, 
1892, and was buried in Highland cemetery, Wednesday, June 15th, 1892. 



B. F. GEARY. 

B. F. Geary was born at Hublei'sburg, Centre county, Pa., November 
20th, 1861. He is a son of A. C. Geary, who for many years was justice 
of the peace of Walker township, and treasurer of Centre county from 
1869 to 1872. The family moved to Lock Haven in 1874, and the subject 
of this sketch attended the public schools of the city until 1877. In the 
fall of that year he entered the Lock Haven normal school, where he 
graduated in the elementary course in 1879, and in the scientific course 
in 1881. He taught school for three years after his graduation, and then 
read law. He was admitted to the Clinton county bar in 1885, For one 
year after his adrais-ion he was a partner of his brother, E. P. Geary, 
bill withdrew from the firm in 188G. He entered the office of W. C. 
Kress, Esq., and in 1890 became his partner. In February, 1891, Mr. 
Geary was elected a member of city council from the Third ward of Lock 
Haven. He was mari-ied in June, 1890, to M. Allison White, daughter 
of the late W, A. White, of Clintondale, Pa. 



T. M. STEVENSON. 

T. M. Stevenson was born near Cedar Springs, Porter township, No- 
vember 25th, 1860. His early education was received at the public 
schools. In January, 1881, he entered the Central state normal school, 
and graduated from that institution in 1882. After teaching one term, 
he entered Eastman's business college at Poughkeep^ie, N, Y. ; graduated 

11 



202 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

from there in June, 1883. He then entered the office of H. T. Harvey, 
Esq., where he read law for two years. He wa? admitted to the Clinton 
county bar, May 19th, 1885, and is now engaged in the practice of his 
profession. Mr. Stevenson was married, in 1886, to Maggie Shoemaker, 
daughter of Rev. Shoemaker, of Jacksonville, Centre county, Pa. 



HENRY T. HALL. 

Henry T. Hall was born in the borough of Mill Hall, October 25th, 
1858. He attended the public schools of the borough. In 1878 he entered 
the Lock Haven normal school, and graduated from that institution in 
June, 1880. The following winter and for three successive winters he 
had charge of the Mill Hall schools. In 1883 he began the study of law 
in the office of H. T. Harvey, Esq. In 1885 he went to Kansas, where 
he was admitted to practice law in the courts of Cowley county. He re- 
mained but a few months, being called home by the serious illness of his 
mother. He then decided to remain in the East, and for a time clerked 
in the store of Fredericks & Munro, at Parrandsville. In 1889 he was 
admitted to practice law in the courts of Clinton county. He entered 
the law office of T. C. Hijtple, and has been a prominent fixture of that 
gentleman's establishment ever since. In July of 1892 he received the 
nomination of the Republican party for district attorney of Clinton 
county, and at present writing is a strong candidate for election to that 
office. 



A. w. Mccormick. 

A. W. McCormick, son of C. S. McCormick, Esq., was born in Lock 
Haven, March 4th, 1864. He attended the public schools of the city until 
1880, when he entered New Windsor college, at New Windsor, Md., 
where he remained until 1882. He then entered La Fayette college, 
Easton, Pa., from which institution he graduated in 1886. After spend- 
ing two years reading law with his father, he was admitted to practice in 
the courts of Clinton county. Mr. McCormick is an ardent and active 
Democrat, and quite a shrewd politician. He was chairman of the Dem- 
ocratic county committee for three years, and served two years as city 
auditor. Mr. McCormick was married December 3d, 1889, to Miss Annie 
Charaberlin, steindaughter of Hon. A. C. Hopkins, of Lock Haven. 

The other members of the Clinton county bar at the present time are: 
S. R. Reale, J. W. Yongman, W. P. Shraeder, C. G. Furst, Sydney 
Furst, Orin T. Noble, M. C. Lingle, Joseph Parsons, J. W. Group, B. F. 
Winters, W. C. Hollaban, A. W. Brungard, A. F. Ryon and E. P. 
Geary. 




R, B, WATSON, M, D, 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PHYSICIANS OF LOCK HAVEN. 



R. B. WATSON, M. D. 

DR. R. B. WATSON was born at Gettysburg, Adams county, Pa., 
in 1838. He prepared for college at what was then called the 
Lawrenceville school, at Lawrence, N. J. He entered Princeton 
college in 1855, and graduated from that institution in 1859. He then 
began the study of medicine with Dr. W. Q. Davis, of Milton, Pa. In 
1861 he entered the University of Pennsylvania, at Phil;idelpliia, and 
graduated from there in 1863. He then went to the war, and after a few 
months was appointed surgeon for the United States Army hospital, at 
Chester, Pa., which posilion he held until April, 1865. In June, 1865, 
he came to Lock Haven, where he soon acquired a lucrative prfictice. 
Dr. Watson was married ni December, 1866, to Emma L. Graffius, 
daughter of Abraham Graffius, one of Lock Haven's oldest and most 
prominent citizens. His wife died in 1884, and in September, 1887, he 
mari-ied Miss Anna Elliott, of Jersey City, At the present time Dr. 
Watson is president of the Clinton County Medical society. State mem- 
ber of the Pennsylvania Medical society, a member of the American 
Medical association, and a member of the National Association of Rail- 
way Surgeons. He is one of the trustees of the Great Island Presbyterian 
church, and has been for ten years a trustee of the Lock Haven Normal 
school, as well as one of its strongest supporters. He is one of the best 
physicians in the city of Lock Haven, and one of her most useful citizens. 



F. P. BALL, M. D. 

Dr. F. P. Ball was born May 22d, 1856, at Minersville, Schuylkill 
county, Pa. He is the eldest son of S. D. Ball, Esq. The family moved 
to Lock Haven in 1860. Dr. Ball attended the city schools until 1873. 
He entered the Pennsylvania university, at Philadelphia, in 1874, and 
graihiated from there in 1877. After his graduation he acted as subor- 
dinate fihysician at the Wilkes-Barre liospital for a term of six months. 
He then located at Chester, Pa., where he practiced for two years. He 
next located at Salona, Clinton county, Pa., where he remained until he 
came to Lock Haven, in the fall of 1881. Dr. Ball was married in 1883 to 
M. Louise Mackey, daughter of the late Hon. L. A. Mackey. His office 
and residence are located in the Mackey mansion, corner of Grove and 
Water streets. Dr. P. P. Ball is now president of the West Branch Med- 
ical association, a member of the Lycoming County Medical society, the 
Clinton County Medical society, and of the American Medical association. 
He is considered one of the leading physicians in Clinton county, and 
enjoys a lucrative and constantly increasing practice. 



204 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

J. H. HAYES, M. D. 

Dr. J. H. Hayes was born April 9th, 1841, in Noithuraberland county. 
He attended La Fayette college in 1856, and graduated from that institu- 
tion in 1859. He then read medicine, and graduated from Jefferson 
Medical college in 1863. He at once entered the Army of the Potomac, 
and served until his regiment was mustered out of service, in 1865. Dr. 
Hayes began the practice of medicine in Lock Haven in 1865, and has 
been one of the city's most prominent physicians ever since. He was 
married in 1869 to Annie H. Mackey, daughter of the late Hon. L. A. 
Mackey. They have two sons, Mackey and W. Bruce. The former is 
assistant in the State bank, and the latter book-keeper for the Pennsyl- 
vania Pulp and Paper Mill company of Lock Haven. 



W. J. SHOEMAKER, M. D. 

Dr. W. J. Shoemaker was born in Woodward townsliip, Clinton county. 
Pa., Sej)! ember 20tli, 1852. He attended the public schools until he 
reached his eighteenth year; then attended one term at the Clinton 
County Normal, heid by Superintendent A. D. Rowe, at Salona. After 
one term spent in teaching, he entered the Millersville State Normal 
school, where he remained for one year. After teaching two years he 
entered the North Western College of Illinois, and graduated from that 
institution in 1879. After his giaduation he spent a few months in the 
state of Nebraska, then returned to Lock Haven, where he read medicine 
with Dr. Armstrong. In September, 1880, he entered the medical de- 
partment of the University of Maryland, graduating from that institution 
in the spring of 1882. He then located at Mill Hall, Pa., where he fol- 
lowed his profession until the fall of 1886, when he moved to Lock Haven. 
Dr. Shoemaker was married June 20th, 1882, to Maria Stowe, of Quincy, 
Mass. His office and residence at this time is at No. 221 East Main 
street, in the brick dwelling occupied for many years by the late Dr. 
A. G. Walls. Dr. Shoemaker is at present president of Clinton County 
Medical association. 



H. C. LICHTENTHALER, M. D. 

Dr. H. C. Lichtenthaler was born in Lock Haven, July 27th, 18G0. 
He received his early education in the different private schools of Lock 
Haven. In 1876 he entered Cheltenham academy, near Philadeljihia, 
remaining there one year. In September, 1877, he entered what was 
called "Ilill school," at Pottstown, Bucks county. Pa., and graduated 
from that institution in June, 1879. He then returned to Lock Haven, 
and began the study of medicine in the office of the late Dr. A. G. W<dls. 
In September of the same year he became a student at the University of 
Pennsylvania, where he remained until he graduated, March 5th, 1882. 
After receiving his medical diploma, he opened an office in Lock Haven, 
April 2d, 1883, and continued to practice his profession here until No- 
vember, 1885, when he gave up his practice in Lock Haven and went to 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 205 

Larned, Kansas, where he remiiiiieJ until February, 1890, wlien lie 
returned East and practiced at Mill Hall until the death of Dr. A. G. 
Walls. lie tiien moved to Lock Haven, and in a few months took u[) 
his residence in the Walls dwelling, on Main street, where he at present 
resides and has his ofTice. Dr. Liehtenthaler was married in May, 1886, 
to Miss Annie M. Reeser, of Lock Haven. He is at present city physician 
for Lock Haven, secretary of the Board of U. S. Pension Examiners, 
also medical examiner for the Royal Arcanum. 



F. W. VANDERSLOOT, M. D. 

Dr. P. W. Vandersloot was born at Abbottstown, Adams county, Pa., 
May 18th, 1831. When eighteen years of age he entered the Pennsyl- 
vania college, at Gettysburg, where he remained until 1853. He then 
entered the office of Drs. Gilbert & Huber, of Gettysburg, where he read 
medicine for two years. In 1855 he spent one season at the Medical 
University of Baltimore. Md., and took a second course at the medical 
department of Pennsylvania college, graduating from there in 1856. He 
also received a diploma from the Philadelphia hospital. He commenced 
practicing medicine at Quincy, Franklin county. Pa., and remained there 
one year; then moved to Abbottstown, whei'e he followed his profession 
five years. From 18G1 to 18(53 he practiced at Prospect, York county. Pa. 
In the spring of 1863 he was appointed assistant surgeon, with the rank 
of lieutenant of cavalry, at Fortress Monroe, where he remained until 
mustered out of service, at Camp Cadwalider, November 9th, 1865. He 
also served, in September, 1862, during the emergency, as assistant 
surgeon in the 13th regiment, Pennsylvania militia. After leaving the 
army Dr. Vandersloot located at Faii-field, Adams county, and remained 
there until the spring of 1867, when he moved to Beuna Vista, Bedford 
county. Pa., and afterwards to Annville, Lebanon county, Pa. In 1871 
he located at Nittany Hall, Centre county. Pa., where he remained nine 
years. In 1879 he sold out his practice. Two years later he located 
at Flemington, where he remained until 1887, when he came to Lock 
Haven. Dr. Vandeisloot was married in Waynesboro, Pa., May 13th, 
1857, to Eliza E. Crouse, of that place. They have eight children, 
all living. 



FRANCIS S. SMITH, M. D. 

Dr. Francis S. Smith was born at Sylvania, Bradford county, Pa., 
May 13th, 1829. His ancestry dates back to the days of the Revolution. 
His grand-father was one of the "Green mountain boys," who fought 
under Ethan Allen; he was a soldier on duty at the execution of Major 
Andre. His father was a veteran of the war of 1812, and Dr. Smith 
himself served during the Civil war as assistant surgeon in the 194th 
Pennsylvania regiment. Dr. Smith first came to Clinton county in 1839. 
He attended the common schools of that day, and also spent two years as 
a student at the Jersey Shore academy. He read medicine and at- 



206 PAST AND PRESENt OF CLlNTON COUNTV. 

tended lectures in the medical department of the University of Michigan, 
at Ann Arbor. He afterward entered Hahnemann's Medical college, at 
Philadelphia, and graduated from there in 1859. After his graduation 
he practiced for a short time in the state of Maryland, and later at 
Benderville, Pa. In the spring of 1865 he came to Lock Haven, where 
he remained until the fall of 1867, .when he went to Augusta, 111., remain- 
ing there until the spring of 1873, He then returned to Lock Haven, 
where he has since resided. For many years Dr. Smith was the only 
homoeopathic physician in Clinton county. He has served eleven years 
as city physician. Dr. Smith was married April 9th, 1863, to Mary 
Ellen Chatam, a djiughter of Hon. James Chatam, at one time sheriff of 
Clinton county. Their children were Laura K. and Cora J. Smith ; both 
deceased. 



GEORGE CORSON BURNLEY, M. D. 

George Corson Burnley was born at Upper Darby, Delaware county, 
March 6th, 1866. His father is Rev. Charles W. Burnley, now a resident 
of Williarasport. Dr. Burnley graduated from Hahnemann medical col- 
lege, Philadelphia, April 3d, 1890, and located in Lock Haven April 23d 
of the same year. He was married September 2d, 1891, to Miss Clare E. 
Cochran, of Erie, Pa. His office and residence is at No. 15 "West Main 
street. Lock Haven, Pa. Dr. Burnley is a member of the Homoeopathic 
school of medicine, and is rapidly rising in his profession. 




THOS P. M.EYER, D. D. S. 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



DENTAL SURGERY. 



THE first man to practice dentistry in Loeli Haven was an individual 
named Houseal, who extracted teetli and done filling, but did not 
manufacture new teeth. Dr. Martin, of Jersey Shore, and Dr. 
Lock, of Williainsport, made periodical visits to Lock Haven and to 
ot her parts of the county, and considerable rivalry is said to have existed 
between the two men. Dr. Vallasharap also traveled the county for sev- 
eral years. Dr. Russell came from Muncy, and located in Lock Haven 
about 1850; he remained five years, when Dr. Weiler purchased the busi- 
ness, and in his turn conducted it until his interests were purchased by 
Dr. J. S. Mader, in 1861. 



DR. J. S. MADER. 

Dr. J. S. Mader, who is the oldest resident dental surgeon in Lock 
Haven, was born in Bavaria, Germany, August, 1836. His father came 
from Germany, and settled in Lock Haven in 1847. When young Mader 
reached his fourteenth year he went to Jersey Shore and began the study 
of dentistry with Dr. H. H. Martin. In 1859 he came to Lock Haven 
and began the practice of dentistry with Dr. Weiler, and in 1861 pur- 
chased the interest of his partner, and has since done business for him- 
self. Among his pupils were Dr. William Blesh, now practicing his 
profession in Lock Haven ; Dr. Bennet, of Renovo ; Charles C. Cole, now 
a dental surgeon of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Dr. Snyder, of Coudersport, 
and Dr. Mader's two sons. 

Dr. Mader was elected coroner in November, 1876, and held the posi- 
tion, without opposition, until 1891, when he was succeeded by Dr. Full- 
mer, of Renovo. He has also served two terms as councilman, being 
elected a member of the first city council of Lock Haven, 



THOMAS P. MEYER, D. D. S. 
Dr. Thomas P. Meyer was born in Miles township. Centre county. Pa. 
August 29th, 1842. He enjoyed only the educational facilities which the 
rural districts of that period afforded; but, being an apt student, he ad- 
vanced himself sufficiently to take charge of a public school at the age 
of seventeen years. He continued teaching during the winter terms, and 
attended the summer sessions of the Academy at Aaronsbnrg, Pa., for 
several years, and soon acquired a reputation as an efficient teacher. 
When the Civil war broke out his patriotism impelled him to march in 
defence of his country. He enlisted in August, 1862, with almost a hun- 
dred of his acquaintances of Brush Valley, Centre county, Pa., and these 
were afterward organized as Company A, 148th Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. 



208 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Mr. Meyer enlisted as a private, and went througii all the rough ex- 
perience of a soldier's life ; performing his duties faithfully, and taking 
part in many severe engagements, among which were the battles of Chan- 
eellorsville, Gettysburg and the siege and capture of Petersburg and 
Richmond. He was promoted three different times; was in command for 
a long time of the Regimental Pioneer corps, and during the Gettysburg 
and Bristoe campaigns, as well as during the long siege of Petersburg, he 
had charge of the Brigade Pioneers. During the battle of Auburn Mills, 
October 14th, 1863, Mr. Meyer, with a number of others, was captured, 
and was dependent during the following winter upon the hospitalities 
dispensed by the generous officials at Libby prison. Castle Thunder and 
Belle Island. He was exchanged, and returned to his regiment and 
served until the end of the war; receiving his discharge in June, 1865. 
After this he went West and spent several years on the plains. Return- 
ing East, in 1872, he was elected principal of tlie Third ward schools of 
Lock Haven, Pa., which position he held for thirteen years, when he 
abandoned the teaching profession for that of dentistry, taking a second 
dental collegiate course at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where 
he graduated March 19th, 1890. Mr. Meyer is married to Lucetta Bierley, 
a daughter of John and Priscilla Bierley. They have two children. In 
politics Mr. Meyer is strongly Democratic, and a very useful member of 
his party. 

DR. WILLIAM BLESH. 

William Blesh was born May 13th, 1847. He began the study of den- 
tistry with Dr. J. S. Mader in May, 1866, and in March, 1869, opened an 
office for himself in the Benage block. Main street. In 1871 he moved 
his office to the second floor of Schroeder's block, where he has done busi- 
ness ever since. He is a first-class workman, and enjoys a very lucrative 
practice. In connection with dentistry he has dealt considerable in real 
estate and lumber, and at present owns several valuable properties in the 
city of Lock Haven. He has also had patented several inventions, useful 
to members of the dental profession. He has always been greatly inter- 
ested in developing the mineral resources of the county, and was the first 
one to prove the existence of natural gas and oil within its limits. 



GEORGE EADIE, D. D. S. 

« 

Dr. George Eadie was born at Oakland, Brant county, Ontario, Canada, 
September 19th, 1859. He received his early education in the schools of 
his native town. He came to the United States in 1882, and spent one 
year in the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, and 
then entered the Philadelphia Dental college, graduating from there in 
1884. After graduating he located at Angelica, N. Y., where he prac- 
ticed his profession for two years ; then came to Lock Haven in 1886, and 
has been here ever since. His dental office is located on the second floor 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 209 

of the Kreainer block, 9}4 East Main street. Dr. Eadie has been very 
puccessful in his business since locating in Lock Haven. His reputation 
for good work is above par, and, for a young man, his success is 
remarkable. 



DR. W. M. HUBLER. 

Dr. W. M. Ilubler, the efficient assistant in the dental ofBce of Dr. 
George Eadie, was born at Tylersville, Clinton county, Pa. He is a son 
of Dr. J. D. Hubler, a well known citizen and dental surgeon of that 
place. Dr. W. M. Hubler graduated from the Central State Normal 
school in 1889, and from Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, Phila- 
delphia, February 27th, 1891. 

H. E. BRADY, D. D. S. 

Dr. H. E. Brady was born at Mill Hall, June 15th, 1863. He received 
his education in the schools of Mill Hall, and at the Central State Normal 
school, at Lock Haven. In 1886 he entered the Philadelphia Denial col- 
lege, anil graduated from there in March, 1888. After assisting his father 
for one year, he located in Lock Haven, where he is at present practicing 
his profession with the best of success. 



DR. C. R. GOOD. 

Dr. C. R. Good, veterinary surgeon of Lock Haven, was born in Muncy 
township, Lycoming county, May 19th, 1861. He attended the public 
schools until 1878, when he entered the Muncy Normal school, which he 
attended for two j'ears. He then taught school for several years, after 
which he spent one year at the Millersville Normal school; then fol- 
lowed the profession of teaching until 1885. In the fall of 1885 he went 
to Toronto, Can., and spent two years in the Ontario Vtterinary college. 
He graduated from there March 31st, 1887, and began the practice of his 
profession at Lock Haven in May of the same year. Dr. C. R. Good was 
married in February, 1890, to Lulu Courter, of Blanchard, Centre county, 
Pa. He took up his residence and opened an office at No. 212 Grove 
street, where he is now located. He has been very successful in his work, 
and has gained quite a reputation in the adjoining counties. 

The other physicians of Lock Haven are : Dr. R. Armstrong, Dr. J. S. 
McGinnis and Dr. A. Preison. The former is one of the leading physi- 
cians of the city, and has for a number of years been a trustee of the 
Lock Haven Normal school. The latter conducts a drug store, and has 
an extensive office practice. 



PROMINENT CITIZENS OF LOCK HAVEN. 



HON. A. C. HOPKINS. 

HON. A. C. HOPKINS, present member of congress from this district^ 
was born at Villenoria, Chautauqua county, N. Y., September 15th, 
1837 He received his education in various schools, and in Novem- 
ber, 1856, began the profession of teaching at Troy, Bradford county. Pa. 
Prom there he returned to his native county, and for a time followed the 
mercantile business at Jamestown, Westfield and Forest Hill. In 1862 
he engaged in the mercantile business at Troy, Bradford county. Pa., 
where he remained for five years, In 1867 he came to Lock Haven, 
where he has been actively engaged in the lumber business ever since. 
Mr, Hopkins is, and has been for a number of years, a member of the 
lumber firm of Hopkins & Weymouth, with main office on the corner of 
Water and Grove streets. Lock Haven, Pa. He never aspired to any 
political office until 1890, when, at the urgent solicitation of friends, he 
allowed his name to be used as a candidate for congress. He received the 
nomination of his party, and at the November election, 1890, was elected 
over Mortimer F. Elliott, Democratic candidate from Tioga county. Mr. 
Hopkins, while a member of congress, served on several important com- 
mittees. His efEorts to promote the welfare of his constituents won for 
him the kindest regards. His chances for a second term are good, and 
there is no doubt but what his strength has greatly increased since his 
first election. He is a good, substantial citizen, never behind in works of 
charity and benevolence. His party may well feel satisfied with their 
choice of a candidate to represent them in the fifty-third congress. 

JOHN W. SMITH. 
Hon. John W. Smith was born on a farm at "Monseytown Flats," in 
what is now Woodward township, September 26th, 1829. All the 
education he received was gleaned from the inferior common schools of 
that day. His father was Adam Smith, who came to the West Branch 
valley with his parents, who settled on what was called the "Monseytown 
Flats" about the year 1800. The subject of this sketch remained on his 
father's farm until he reached his twenty-third year, when he married 
and began business for himself as owner and proprietor of what was 
known as the "White house," a hotel which stood on what is now the 
property of Isaac Packer. While acting as landlord of the White 
house he began dealing in square timber, which business he followed for 
many years. He remained in the White house about four years, and 
then moved to Lockport, where he remained for about three years. He 
then purchased the Eagle hotel in Lock Haven, and conducted the busi- 




HON. R. C. HOPKINS, 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2tl 

ness there for four years. He then sohl the jiroperty and bought the old 
homestead, where he lived for two years, and then returned to Lock 
Haven. Four years later he purchased the Fallon house. Mr. Smith 
has occupied several important positions both in city and county politics. 
In 1857 he was elected county auditor. In 1863 was elected sheriff of 
Clinton county, and re-elected in 1869. In February, 1873, he was elected 
mayor of Lock Haven, serving two years. In 1876 he was elected 
associate judge of Clinton county, and served one term. Since that time 
he has served the people of his ward as councilman. Besides his official 
services he has always been one of the foremost to develop the natural 
resources of Clinton county. In politics Judge Smith has always been 
a straight-out Democrat, and was elected to the various offices he has 
filled with very little opposition. 



JAMES JEFFERIS. 

The subject of this sketch was born at West Chester, Chester county. 
Pa., December 15th. 1832, and came to Lock Haven with his parents n\ 
1835. His father, James Jefferis, purchased a large part of the Hender- 
son tract Irom Jerry Church and built the residence on corner of Bald 
Eagle and Henderson streets, which has been occupied by the family ever 
since. The number of acres purchased by Mr. Jefferis was about 120. 
The amount paid was $9,000. This land was farmed by him until his 
death, and afterwards by his son, the present James Jefferis. The 
dwelling erected in 1835 was at one time the finest residence in the town, 
and probably the most substantial one, as it has stood the storms of 
almost sixty winters, and is yet in a perfect state of preservation. Mr. 
Jefferis received his early education in the old school house on Main 
street, under such teachers as Black, Hunt and McKean. Among his 
school mates were the McCormicks and Flemings. He also attended 
several terms at the "old academy." In 1854 he went to Wisconsin, 
where he spent six years engaged in farming. He returned to Lock 
Haven in 1860 and farmed the Jefferis homestead until 1880. The farm 
by this time had all been laid out into building lots, hence that occupa- 
tion was at an end. In 1883 Mr. Jefferis was elected mayor of the city 
of Lock Haven and re-elected to the same position in 1885. He served 
his ward as a councilman for six years, and also as school director for the 
same length of time. Ex-mayor Jefferis was married in 1856 to Helen J. 
Bates. They have had five children; two are yet living. They are 
Miss Elizabeth and Joseph Jefferis. The ex-mayor is one of Lock 
Haven's most esteemed citizens, and has never failed to answer to the 
call of duty in any instance, when the best interests of the town or city 

were at stake. 

J. B. G. KINSLOE. 

The following excellent sketch of J. B. G. Kinsloe was prepared by 
J. F. Meginness, author of the ''Plistory of the West Branch Valley:" 

"Mr. Kinsloe, one of the oldest printers, editors and publishers in the 
state, was born near Mexico, Miffliu county, Pa., (now Juniata,) April 



212 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

5th, 1820. In the spring of 1827 his parents removed to Lewistovvn, the 
county seat, and on the evening of their arrival young Kinsloe made the 
acquaintance of Levi Reynolds, editor and proprietor of the Mifflin 
Eagle, and was a daily visitor to the office, spending his leisure hours in 
acquiring a knowledge of the 'art preservative,' until in 1834, when he 
became a journeyman printer, at $16 per month, in the office of the 
Lewistown Qazettt. During the administration of Joseph Ritner, Mr. 
Kinsloe served as clerk in the prothonotary's office under William 
Brothers. In 1838, in company with his eldest brother, W. A. Kinsloe, 
he published the Eagle, afterwards called the Clintonian, in Lock 
Haven. At the close of the memorable campaign of 1840, the paper 
was suspended, when Robert McCormiek and the subject of this sketch 
soon after renewed it under the name of the Clinton County Whig. In 
1841 he {)urchased an office in Mifflintown, and removed it to Thompson- 
town, where he became the publisher of the Juniata Free Press, and a 
monthly journal called The Temperance Agent. In 1843 he removed the 
office to Shippensburg, Pa., where, in connection with his brother, he 
commenced the publication of The Cumberland Valley, also continuing 
The Temperance Agent at the same point. Afterwards we fii.d him in 
Philadelphia during the exciting times of the native American riots, and 
up to 1846, in the office of the Daily Spirit of the Times, as foreman and 
night clerk. During 1849 and '50 he was in the employ of L. Johnson & 
Co., the oldest typefounders in America, as general jobber, engaged in 
getting up their magnificent specimen book. In that establishment lie 
acquired much useful knowledge relating to the secret of fine printing. 
Soon after this he received a "call" to Knoxville, Tenn., where he 
removed, in 1851, and took charge of The Presbyterian Witness, with 
Rev. A. Blackburn as editor. The Knoxville Register was put up at 
public sale in a few years after his removal to the place, and he purchased 
it. Rev, A. Blackburn's interest was sold to W. A. Kinsloe, and under 
the firm name of Kinsloe & Brother the first power press was introduced 
into East Tennessee. In 1854 they purchased Brownlow's Knoxville 
Whig, retaining Mr. Brownlow as editor. W. A. Kinsloe remained in 
Philadelphia, while J. B. G. had the entire management and control of 
the large establishment, to which he had added a first-class bindery and 
a monthly medical journal, edited by Dr. Richard O. Curry. Soon after 
W. A. sold his one-half interest to Charles A. Rice, to whom J. B. G. 
also sold in 1859, and shortly after this W. G. Brownlow purchased it at 
sheriff's sale, and J. B. G. continued with him as business manager until 
the Whig ceased to exist — when Tennessee was declared out of the Union 
— the last paper being printed and sent out after Brownlow had left the 
city, with the hope of stealing through the rebel lines at Cumberland 
Gap, or some other point in the mountains. Mr. Kinsloe remained in 
Knoxville throughout the fearful struggle, and until six months after 
Burnside's army captured the place. This occurred about the middle of 
the afternoon, and as Kinsloe had purchased a- job office of J. A Sperry, 
just before the evacuation of Knoxville by the rebel forces, he issued a 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2I3 

small daily the next morning:, and continued its publication until the 
return of Parson Brownlow, who at once resuscitated tlie \V7tig. Mr. 
Kinsloo then took a po^ition in the custom house, where he remained until 
April 14th, 1864, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and purchased a 
one- half interest in the Wed Branch Bulletin, Williamsport, of P. C, 
Van Gelder, about the 1st of June. 1864, and in May, 1868, he was 
elected city clerk of the select branch of city councils, of Williamsport, 
which position he filled acceptably for two years, and until that branch 
discontinued. In November, 1869, the BtilMin and Lycorning Gazette 
were consolidated, and the Oazette and Bulletin Publishing association 
organized, with J. B. G. Kinsloe as business manager and treasurer. On 
the 9th of September, 1871, he disposed of his stock in the association, 
but remained in the office until the 38th of February, 1874, performing 
whatever duties were required of him. In March following he purchased 
the Clinton Republican of George D. Bowman, which he is now suc- 
cessfully editing and publishing." 

Mr. Kinsloe has been a useful and firominent citizen of Lock Haven 
ever since he took up his residence within her limits. He has been for 
years a trustee of the Lock Haven Normal school and one of the school's 
best friends. He dissolved his connection with the Presbyterian church 
in 1861, and since that time has filled the position of steward or trustee, 
and holds the latter position in Trinity M. E. church of Lock Haven at 
this time. 



ROBERT STEWART BARKER. 

Robert Stewart Barker was born March 8th, 1838, in Pine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, Pa., about six miles east of Lock Haven. While 
he was yet an infant, his parents removed to Lock Haven, whei'e he grew 
to manhood, and received his education in tlie common schools and the 
Lock Haven academy, an institution in which higher branches were 
taught than in the common schools of that day. On February 14th, 
1865, he was married to Miss Ella J. Sloan, daughter of Alexander and 
Emeline Sloan. Mr. Barker is descended from an old and highly re- 
spected family. His father, William W. Barker, was born near Pine 
creek, at what is now known as Piielps Mills in 1806. He married 
Fanny Q. Stewart, a daughter of Robert Stewart, and died at an ad- 
vanced age, respected by all who knew him. Robert S. Barker grew 
to manhood, a giant in stature, standing six feet seven inches in his 
stockings. In 1878 he was elected sheriff of Clinton county on the 
Republican ticket. He served one term as treasurer of the city of 
Lock Haven, was elected mayor of Lock Haven in February, 1887, and 
was for many years chief engineer of th« city fire department. In August, 
1862, he volunteered to serve as a soldier in defence of his country, and 
was elected first lieutenant of Company II, 137th Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers-Infantry. The regiment of which he was a member was sent 
at once to the front and put in active service. With his command he 



214 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

was engaged in the battles at South Mountain, Antietam, two battles at 
Fredericksburg and the battle of the Wilderness. He was promoted to 
the captaincy of his company, and was discharged honorably at Harris- 
burg in June, 1863. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster at Lock 
Haven, a position he is filling with credit, and in a manner entirely satis- 
factory to the patrons of the office. 



WILLIAM P. MITCHELL. 

William P. Mitchell was born at Howard, Centre county. Pa., January 
22d, 1841. His father was Rev. Nathan J. Mitchell, a minister of the 
Disciple church, who died in 1879, at the age of 79 years, and his mother 
was a sister of ex-Governor William F. Packer'. His ancestry on his 
mother's side can be traced back to 1060. Thomas Pierson, an ancestor, 
came to this country with William Penn in 1G82. Mr. Mitchell attended 
the public schools of Howard township, and in 1858 and 1859 attended 
Dickinson seminary, at Williamsport. After leaving that institution he 
taught one terra of school at Plunkett's Run, Clinton county, and also 
tauglit the grammar grade at Beech Creek one term. He then entered 
the law office of Orvis & Alexander, of Bellefonte, where he spent three 
years preparing for the law, but never applied for admission to the bar. 
When his law studies were finished, he began the business of surveying, a 
work in which he is still engaged, William P. Mitchell was married 
June 35th, 1863, to Susan F. Rothrock, a daughter of Dr. William P. 
Rothrock, then of Beech Creek, but now a resident of Kansas. They 
have liad five children, one son and four daughters. Those living are 
Sadie C, Jennie R., now the wife of William M. Fredericks, Annie L. 
and Nellie B. Mr. Mitchell is probably one of the best known surveyors 
in the Keystone state. During the past twenty-five years he has sur- 
veyed land, and has been in court as a witness in land suits in thirty- 
eight counties of this state, and has also been called upon to testify in 
important cases in the United States court at Pittsburg, Williamsport. 
and Philadelphia. One of the most important trials which he ever at- 
tended as a witness was that of the Houtz heirs, in Clearfield county, in 
which the title to a block of surveys upon which the town of Houtz'lale 
is located was in dispute. This suit was tried in Centre countv, before 
Judge OrA-is, in 1879. Another important suit was that of the Northum- 
berland Coal company, to decide the title to vast coal fields in Columbia 
and Northumberland counties. The suit was tried in the United States 
court at Pittsburg, and histed fr>rty-nine days. He was also a witness on 
the celebrated land case of Shepp, Dull & Sillyman vs. Eckiey B. Coxe, 
which was tried at Pottsville a few years ago. This ca.'^e created wide 
spread attention at the time, and lasted three months. Mr. iMitcheil lived 
in Centre cov^ty until 1874, when he came to Lock Haven, where he has 
remained ever since. During the time he resided in Centre county, he 
served two terms as county surveyor. William P. Mitchell has the rep- 
utation, and justly deserves it, of being one of the best land surveyors in 
the state of Pennsylvania. His services are constantly in demand, and 




WM. P. MITCHELL, SURVEYOR, 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 215 

his ability iiclcnowledged by the best hind hiwyers of the state. His skill 
at draughting is remarkable. It is said his maps of surveys are the finest 
presented before the United States court. 



ARCHIBALD MUNRO. 

Archibald Munro, one of the senior members of the firm of Fi-edericks 
& Munio, was born in Nova Scotia in 1834, and came with his parents to 
Farrandsville in 1838. They remained there during the time the Lycom- 
ing Coal company operated the mines; when that company gave up 
business in 1840 Farrandsville was a dead place. The Munro family 
then moved to Queen's Run, where they remained until the Farrands- 
ville Coal company began operation, in 1847; the family then returned to 
Farrandsville and the subject of this sketch entered the company's store 
as clerk. He remained in the employ of this company until they gave 
up business, in 1860. He then entered the employ of the Eagleton Coal 
and Iron company as timekeeper and paymaster. At this time Eagleton 
was a lively place. About 150 men were emjjloyed at the works arfd the 
mines were profitable. Mr. Munro rem-iined with the Eaglelon com- 
pany until they shut down, in 1865. He then became manager of the 
Rock Cabin mines, which had just been started by the McIIenry Coal 
company ; he remained with them until 1869. He then returned to 
Farrandsville, and in 1873 Fredericks & Munro started their fire brick 
works. In 1888 Mr. Munro purcha&ed a handsome residence in Lock 
Haven, where he has since resided. 



REV. CHARLES JAMES WOOD. 

Rev. Charles James Wood, present rectoi' of St. Paul's Protestant 
Episcopal parish, of Lock Haven, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 4th, 
1854. He attended the public schools of Cleveland, and graduated from 
the city high school, after which he entered Harvard University and 
graduated with the degree of B. A. in the class of 1875. He then 
entered the General Theological seminary of the Protestant Episcopal 
church in New York city, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of 
Sacred Theology in 1878. In July, 1878, lie was ordained deacon in 
ministry of Episcopal church, and in 1880 was advanced to the priest- 
hood. Rev. Charles James Wood has had parishes in Indiana, New 
York and New Jersey. He is a member of the American Oriental 
society, of the Christian Socinl union, and active in the various Masonic 
orders. He is also a popular and frequent contributor to the Christian 
Union, Andover Review and church serials. He is a lecturer of marked 
ability, and has lectured at Philadelphia, Elmira, Cambridge, Mass., at 
Williamsport and other places upon matters of literature, religion, 
archelogy and folk-lore. Rev, Charles James Wood is an educated 
and able man, with broad views and sound jiulgment. 



2l6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

JOHN CANDOR. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Chillisquaque township, North- 
umberland county, Pa., Decemlier 22d, 1828. Mr. Candor attended the 
coramon schools until his sixteenth year, when he entered the Lewisburg 
university, where he I'emained two years. In February, 1853, he went to 
California, where he followed keeping store and mining. During his stay 
in California he and six associates visited what was known as "Death 
Valley." They endured great privations, suffering for lack of food and 
water. Returning to the East in 1867, he located at Lock Haven, where 
he opened a hardware store with Isaac Shaffer and Shaffer Johnson as 
partners. The interests of his partners were afterwards purchased by 
Joseph Candor. The Candor Brothers conducted the hardware business 
for many years. John Candor afterwards sold out his interest to his 
brother, Joseph. Mr. Candor became a candidate on the Democratic 
ticket for sheriff' in 1875. He received the nomination and was elected. 
Since that time he has been tax collector and constable of his ward, but 
has not sought for any other political positions. John Candor is a man 
noted for his obliging and kindly dispo.sition, and counts his friends by the 
score. He was married in 18Gt> to Mary M. Groves, of Centre county. Pa. 



-PROFESSOR J. M. PEOPLES. 

Professor J. M. Peoples was born July 29th, 1837, at New Providence, 
Lancaster county, Pa. He attended the public schools until 1855 ; then 
entered the Lancaster County Normal school, (now Millersville Normal 
school,) and graduated from there in 1859. He next became principal of 
the schools at Cressona, Pa., where he taught one term in 1860, and an- 
other in 1864. In the fall of 1861 he took charge of the mathematical 
department of the Excelsior Normal institute at Carversville, Bucks 
county. Pa., where he taught for three terms. He taught a select sch' ol 
at Pottstown, Pa., in 1863, and another at Spring Valley Hall, in 1865-'66. 
In 1867 he took charge of the Union school at New Providence for one 
term. In 1868 he entered the mercantile business for five years. During 
this time he served as justice of the peace. In the spring of 1874 iie 
moved to Millersville, where he remained until he came to Lock Haven 
to take charge of the mathematical department of the Central State 
Nornuil school, on September 11th, 1877. During the time he was a 
member of the Normal school fnculty he served as vice president. He 
remained at the school until August 8th, 1884, when he entered upon his 
duties as teller of the First National bank of Lock Haven, which position 
he has creditably and satisfactorily hlled ever since. Mr. Peoples was 
married March 19th, 1862, to H. Margaret Royer, of Pottsville, Pa. He 
is the father of six children, five of whom are living. His eldest is 
William Royer Peoples, who was born August 1st, 1863. W. R. Peoples 
graduated in the scientific course of the Lock Haven Normal school in 
1882, and was for a time a member of the Normal school faculty. For 
five years he was principal of the Lycoming county Normal school and 
the public schools of Muncy. At present he is practicing law in Williams- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 21/ 

port, having beeii admitted to the bar of Lycoming county in 1890. He 
was married in June, 1889, to Miss Lillian Watson, of Allenwood, Pa. 
Tlie second chilil of Prof. Peoples was Ivie M., who graduated from the 
Luck Haven Normal school in 1882. She married M. G. Cocklin, now 
principal of the Pawn Grove academy, in York county, Pa. The third 
child was Harry Peoples, born June 4(h, 1869. He is at present an 
assistant in the Johnsonburg National bank. The fourth, Mary S. 
Peoples, was born December 21st, 1873, she at present resides with her 
l)arents. The last child is Rossiter Miller Peoples, born August 23d, 1886. 



GEORGE P. SHAFFER. 

George P. Shaffer, present city treasurer of Lock Haven, was born on 
a farm near SelinsgroA'e, Snyder county, March 24th, 1836. He remained 
on the farm until he was thu'teen years of age, and then moved with his 
parents to Northumberland, Pa., where he followed the canal until he 
was eighteen yeais of age, when he learned the carpenter trade, serving 
an apprenticeship of three years. In 1859 he came to Lock Haven, 
where he worked at his trade until 1870, when he entered the grocery 
business. This investment proved a failure, and in a few years he lost 
all he had possessed, and went to work in the Lock Haven furniture fac- 
tory, where he remained for three years. On the 26th of March, 1886, he 
entered the insurance office of Charles M. O'Connor as book keeper, i-e- 
taiiiing this position until April 19th, 1889. He was nominated for city 
treasurer by the Democrats, iind elected over Joseph Graffius, the Repub- 
lican candidate, February, 1890; and was re-elected in February, 1892. 
During his term of office as county treasurer he has given entire satis- 
faction. Mr. Shaffer is one of Lock Haven's best citizens. 



N. B. DOREY. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Liberty, Clinton county, Pa., 
March 29t]i, 1842. He attended the public schools, and, in 1864, gradu- 
ated at Eastman's Business college. He then became book-keeper for E. 
T. Fleming & Co., and afterwards hccarae a member of the said firm, 
who at that time operated a planing mill where the West Branch furni- 
ture factory now stands. Fleming & Co. sold out, in 1870. to Strong, 
Byers & Co. Mr. Dorey became book-keeper for the firm, which position 
he held until 1873, when he and A. B. Hanna opened a grocery store in 
the block now occupied by tlie Democrat and News Publishing company. 
In 1876 he sold out his business, and spent the next few years in raising 
tobacco. In 1885 he was elected alderman from the First ward of Lock 
Haven, and served one term, being succeeded in the office by Prof. John 
P. Anthony. Mr. Dorey is now in the pension business with H. T. 
Hall, of Lock Haven. 

15 



2l8 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LEVI G. HECK. 

Kev. Levi G. Heck was born April 9th, 1842, in Huntingdon county, 
Pa. He was raised on a farm. At the age of eighteen he began teaching 
school. Higher educational advantages were enjoyed at Milnwood acad- 
emy, Huntingdon county, Pa., and at Carlisle, Pa. He enlisted August 
4th, 1862, and, with the exception of a few months, served to the close of 
the war— rising to the rank of first lieutenant. He participated in a num 
ber of engagements, Antietam being the first. He was present at the 
taking of Petersburg and at the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox. 
On being discharged, September, 1865, Mr. Heck returned to his old 
home and again began the work of teaching. 

In 1868 he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
and was first sent to the Tuscarora circuit, in Juniata county. Pa., and 
was received into the Central Pennsylvania conference March. 1869. 
Rev. Heck spent fifteen years of his life in active ministerial work on 
laborious circuits, many of which were in the West Branch valley. 
Owing to impaired health he was obliged to give up active work in the 
spring of 1886. Although not actively engaged in ministerial duties, he 
is yet a member of conference. Rev. Heck was married, in 1865, to Miss 
Sarah Widney, of Concord, Franklin county, Pa. Three children blessed 
their union — two sons and one daughter. 



W. W. RICHIE. 

Colonel W. W. Richie was born on a farm near Dunnstown, Clinton 
county, Pa., November 17th, 1844. His father was William Richie, who 
was born near Ferney's Run, Clinton county, in 1806, and who died in 
1886. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools until he 
reached his sixteenth year. In 1861 he enlisted in the 52d Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served for three years. He then returned 
to Lock Haven. In 1865 he began the publishing of local maps, which 
business he followed until 1877. In 1877 he published an industrial 
work entitled "Industries and Institutions of Centre County, Pa." The 
book was one of great interest; an edition of 1,500 copies was sold. Mr. 
Richie then followed farming for several years; after which he em- 
barked in the nursery business, in which he is still engaged. 

Colonel Richie was the organizer of the Union Veteran Legion, at 
Lock Haven, in 1891, which is an organization open only to soldiers of 
the lale war who enlisted prior to July 1st, 1863. He also organized the 
Ladies' Auxiliary of the order, in October of the same year. 



LEVI R. PAUP. 

L. R. Paup was born in Dover township, York county, Pa., May 7th, 
1843. He attended the public schools, and also spent several terms at 
"Cottage Hill college," in York, Pa. He taught school during the win- 
ter and worked at bricklaying in summer until 1882. In 1863 he went 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2I9 

to Sunbury, Pa., and began work for the P. & E. railroad company, and 
was sent by them to Renovo to work on t he car shops. In 1865 he came 
to Lock Haven, where he has remained ever since. Mr. Paup taught 
school ill different parts of Clinton county for seventeen years. His first 
work as a contractor was the building of the Lock Haven paper mill. 
Since that time he has executed many contracts; among them being the 
Tyrone paper mill, the McKinney block, on Bellefonte avenue, and the 
Central State Normal school, this city, which was the greatest undertaking 
in the building line he ever undertook. Among the many large bridges 
built by him are: the one across Codorus creek, at York, Pa.; the one 
across the Susquehanna, at Renovo, which was carried away by the flood 
of 1889; the Bald Eagle bridge, at Flemington, and the one at the west 
end of Great Island, known as one of the Great Island bridges. 

Mr. Paup has served two terms as county auditor, and several terms 
as school director. He has also served several terms as assessor for the 
First ward o Lock Haven. He has always been an ardent Democrat and 
a prom'nent and useful member of his party. 



JAMES C. SMITH. 

James C. Smith was born in Beech Creek township, June 28th, 1846. 
His father, Joseph M. Smith, settled at an early day on the tract now 
known as the Hcimer farm. Here James C. Smith was born find spent 
his early life. lie received a common school education, and in 1874 
took a commercial course at Iron City coUegi', Pittsburg, Pa. In 1876 
he was mnrried to Belle E. Weaver, a daughter of George P. Weaver, of 
Bellefonte. In 1879 he moved his fauiily to Bay City. Mich., where he 
filled the positoin of general agent for the Demorest Sewing Machine Co. 
In October, 1881, they returned East, and Mr. Smith engaged in the gro- 
cery business at Beech Creek for nearly two years. In 1885 he received 
the nomination of the Democratic party for register and recorder of 
Clinton county, was elected in November, 1885, re-elected for a second 
term in 1888, and defeated for a third term in 1891. Mr. Smith is a di- 
rector ol the Lock Haven Trust Co., and was one of its organizers. 



I. L. McCLOSKEY. 

I. L. McCloskey ex-county superintendent of Clinton county, was 
born near Lock Haven, January 3d, 1835. He received his early educa- 
tion in the common schools of the county, and afterwards, by lose ap- 
plication to books and by the aid of select schools of the county, prepared 
himself for the work of teaching. He entered the profession before he 
was twenty years of age, and has taught successfully ever since in the 
counties of Clinton, Cameron, Elk and Lycoming. He was elected 
county superintemlent in 1884, which office he filled in a creditable man- 
ner. He has spent the greater part of his life in the work of teaching. 



220 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

GEORGE A. BROWN, ESQ. 

Captain George A. Brown was born in Bald Eagle township, on what is 
now known as the Packer farm, October 11th, 1852. His parents moved 
to Lock Haven when he was thirteen years of age. He attended the city 
schools until 1870, when he entered the Pennsylvania State college, where 
he remained for nearly three years. After leaving college he assisted his 
father, W. H. Brown, in the duties of the prothonotary's office for a year. 
He then entered the law office of T. C. Hippie, where he remained as a 
student until September, 1876, when he entered the Albany law school, 
and graduated from there May 1st, 1877, and was admitted to practice in 
the Supreme Court of New York state, May 16th, 1877. He returned to 
Lock Haven, was examined and admitted to practice in the courts of 
Clinton county in September, 1877. He opened an office, and has suc- 
cessfully practiced his profession ever since. In August, 1881, Mr. Brown 
received the nomination of the Demociatic party for district attorney, 
and was elected at the November election, and re-elected in November, 
1884. During his term as district attorney the Colby murder occurred, 
and Mr. Brown, as prosecuting attorney, at once set to work to find the 
murderer. In company with officers Westbrook and Vernes he pre- 
pared the field work of the ease, and in a very short time the trial was 
concluded and the murderer hanged. George A. Brown was elected 
captain of Company 11 April 14th, 1884, and re-elected in 1889. He 
sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and he received an honorable 
discharge, May, 1890. 




IRfl ffi. HfiRYEY, 
Business Manager Daily and Weekly Democrat, Lock Haven, Pa. 



PROMINENT BUSINESS MEN OF LOCK HAVEN. 



HENRY H. VAN DYKE. 

HENRY H. VAN DYKE was born September 23cl, 1832, in Lycom- 
ing connty. He worked upon his father's I arm until he was sev- 
enteen years of a^e, when he engaged in the tanning business, 
which he followed for three years. He then went to Western New York, 
and assisted in constructing a railroad from Youngstown to Niagara 
Falls, and later constructed another road from Lewiston to Niagara Falls. 
After which he went to Canada, where he clerked for one year. He was 
then called home to join in the division of his father's farm. He re- 
mained on his farm for one year. He then sold his land and came to 
Lock Haven, and secured a contract for constructing a portion of the 
P. & E. railroad. After completing his contract he engaged in lumber- 
ing, on Beech Creek, for one year. He and his brother, L. J. Van Dyke, 
then took the contract to complete the Bald Eagle Valley railroad. They 
spent three years on this contract. They also built a section of the Snow 
Shoe road. They next engaged in constructing the Lewisburg and Spruce 
Creek road, taking and completin<r seven different contracts. Mr. Van 
Dyke then started in the hardware business, in which he is still engaged. 
In connection with the hardware business, Mr Van Dyke deals largely in 
real estate, and at present owns several of the finest farms in Clinton 
county, and, although he is the head of the firm of Van Dyke & Co., he 
devotes the greater part of his time to looking after his farms and other 
interests. 



IRA M. HARVEY. 

Ira M. Harvey, business manager for the Democrat News and Publish- 
ing company, was born at Cedar Springs, Clinton county. Pa., Novem- 
ber 4th, 1854. He is a son of Nathan and Lydia Harvey, both of whom 
died before he was eight years old. He j'eceived his early education in 
the public schools, and in May, 18G5, he entered the Orangeville Soldiers' 
Or[)han school, of Columbia county, Pa., where he remained until trans- 
ferred to the McAUisterviDe Orphan school, in 18G7. He remained in 
the latter institution until 1870, when he returned to Lock Haven. In 
January, 1871, he entered the ofiice of the Clinton Democrat, as an ap- 
prentice under J. C. C. Whaley. He continued in the Democrat office 
until November 37th, 1876. when he left, and, for a time, was employed 
in the office of the Times, at Williamsport, Pa. He then returned to 
Lock Haven, and, in company with H. Byxbe, John Noble and A. S. 
Grow, started the Daily Journal, which he assisted to conduct for several 
years. When the publication of the Journal ceased he, in company with 



222 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 

John Noble, pufcliased part of the fixtures of the Joiirnal office, and es- 
tablished a job printing business. On September 14lh, 1885, in company 
with James W. Clark and John Noble, he purchased the Clinton Demo- 
crat from Mrs. II. M. Whaley, and, for a time, conducted the business 
under the firm name of Clark & Co., with Mr. Harvey as business man- 
ager. In May, 1888, the business was incorpoi-ated under the name of the 
Clinton Democrat News and Publishing company. Mr. Harvey was elected 
treasurer of said company, and continued as manager, a position he holds 
at the present time. Under his management the business has greatly 
flourished. The job department, which was conducted by one man at the 
time the office was purchased by Clark & Co., now gives employment 
to five persons. The latest improved machinery, presses, etc., have been 
added to the equipment of the office, and it is now the best and most 
complete establishment of its kind in Clinton county. The circulation of 
the Democrat has increased three-fold, and the paper has been greatly en- 
larged and improved, and gives employment to eighteen persons. Mr. 
Harvey was married March 25th, 1880, to Sallie Coldwell, of Lock Haven. 



JOHN NOBLE. 

John Noble, one of the members of the Democrat News and Publishing 
company of Lock Haven, Pa., was born at Howard, Pa., June 20th, 1850. 
He attended the public schools until 1866, when he entered the office of 
the Clinton Democrat as an apprentice under John H. Orth. He com- 
pleted his trade and remained in the said office until 1876, when he went 
to Washington, D. C, and for eighteen months was employed in the 
government printing office. He returned to Lock Haven, and, in com- 
pany with Ira M. Harvey, H. Byxbe and A. S. Grow, assisted in estab- 
lishing the Daily Journal. Mr. Noble retired from the Journal and went 
to Towanda, Bradford county. Pa., where he was employed for four years 
on the Reporter. He then returned to Lock Haven and became a mem- 
ber of the firm of Clark & Co., and later of the Democrat News and Pub- 
lishing company. Mr. Noble has been foreman of the job department of 
the Clinton Democrat since 1885. Under his management the said office 
is gaining an enviable reputation for good work. 



C. R. GEARHART. 

C. R. Gearhart came to Clinton county July 27th, 1867; since which 
time he has been actively identified with the insurance interests of this 
community. Like many another active business man, while he found the 
school room congenial, he did not find it as remunerative as his ambition 
called for. After some seven years as a teacher, the last two being in 
the capacity of principal of the preparatory department of the Dickinson 
seminary, at William>port, he bade adieu to the school room, and accepted 
the general agency of several counties for the Farmers' Mutual Fire In- 
surance company, of Danville, Pa., of which town he was a native. After 
building up a large busines-^ in the territory assigned him, and spending 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 223 

several years in managing the same, he abandoned mutual insurance en- 
tirely, and has since confined himself to cash rate companies, as agent for 
which he enjoys a large patronage. While beginning his career as a fire 
insurance agent, he has for years been largely identified with life and ac- 
cident insurance. Although broken in health during the past seven 
yeais, most of the time confined to his bed or a rolling chair, his energy 
and courage never forsook him. This is well illustrated by his hnving 
written, during sixteen inonths continuously spent in bed, $110,000 of 
life insurance, $63,000 of which was written by his own hand while the 
applicant sat by his bedside. Two years ago he founded the Insurance 
Solicitor, a paper for the use of agents of the Northwestern Mutual Life 
Insurance company, of which he is himself an agent. It now enjoys a 
circulation of nearly 40,000 copies monthly, in twenty-three states of the 
union, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In July, 1891, he 
entered into partnership with Mr. Arthur Pearson, under the firm name 
of Gearhart & Pearson, as such becoming general agents for Middle 
Pennsylvania of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance company, above 
named. At the age of forty-nine, though unable to walk, and confined 
to a rolling chair in his office, the subject of this sketch still displays the 
same untiring energy as when in health and strength, bidding fair yet to 
spend many busy years in his chosen profession. 



W. H. MAYER. 

W. H. Mayer was born in Chambersburg, Frank] in county. Pa., March 
17th, 1833. His early education was received at the Chambersburg 
academy. In 1846 the Mayer family moved to Lock Haven. In 1848 
the family returned to Chambersburg, and in 1850 W. H. Mayer secured 
a position as head salesman in a hardware establishment in Philadelphia. 
In 1854 he again came to Lock Haven. Soon after his arrival he, in com- 
pany with R. R. Bridgens, took a contract for building several miles of 
the Philadelphia & Erie railroad. In 1855, in company with Jacob Brown, 
he started a general store in the building now occupied by Barney Mar- 
shall as a bakery. In 1856 they moved to Mayer's block, opposite the 
Fallon house, and in 1857 Mr. Mayer purchased Jacob Brown's interest 
in the business, and continued in it alone until he was burned out, in 
1862. In 1863 he enlisted in the 37th Pennsylvania Regiment as ser- 
geant major. In 1865 was appointed paymaster of the navy, which 
position he held at the time of the assassination of Lincoln. He resigned 
this position and returned to Lock Haven, where he remained until 1870, 
when he went to Chippewa Falls, Wis., where he dealt extensively in 
real estate and lumber until 1870, when he again returned to Lock Haven. 
In 1880 Mr. Mayer opened a furniture store on Water street, in the build- 
ing now occupied as a residence by W. W. Mitchell, but in 1884 pur- 
ehased the market house building, and moved his store to that buildin"- 
where it has remained ever since. 



224 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

J. W. BRIDGENS. 

J. W. Bridgens was born September 28th, 1838, at Youngworaan's 
town, (now North Bend,) Clinton county. Pa. His father was Robert 
Bridgens, one of the first commissioners of Clinton county. J. W. 
Bridgens received his education in the common schools. He remained 
on his father's farm until October, 1863, when he came to Lock Haven, 
and went into the mercantile business as a partner of F. J. Tioxell. 
This partnership lasted for eight years. In 1868 the partnership was dis- 
solved, and the stock divided. Mr. Bridgens then started a store on 
Clinton avenue, where he remained for nearly five years. He then moved 
to his present room on Main street, where he hiis remained ever since. 
Mr. Bridgens is now serving his second term as school director from 1 he 
Third ward of Lock Haven. He is also one of the trustees of the Lock 
HaA'en Normal school. He is aWy assisted in the mercantile business 
by his son, James F. Bridgens. 

CHARLES KREAMER. 

Charles Kreamer was born near White Hall, Columbia county. Pa., 
May 26th, 1830. He spent his boyhood on his fatlier's farm. At the age 
of seventeen he left home and worked on the farm of a neighbor for two 
years. In 1849 he was employed by Bennett, Vanderbilt & Parsons in 
the construction of a dam across the North Branch of the Susquehanna 
at Towanda. From 1853 to 1857 he was employed by 0. P. Wilder and 
Fredericks, Mackey & Co., in their lumber operations. In 1857 he pur- 
chased the interest of Edward Mackey. From then until the present time 
he has been extensively engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Kreamer 
was married April 20th, 1857, to Vesta L. Eaton, daughter of George 
W. and Susan Eaton, of Woolrich, Me. Their children are Clara, Adda, 
Hattie, Frederick and George. 

JACOB BROWN. 

Jacob Brown, senior member of the mercantile firm of Jacob Brown 
& Son, is one of the oldest business men in the city of Lock Haven. He 
was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, March 30th, 1820. He left his native 
country in 1837, and came to America, locating at Trout Run, Lycoming 
county, Pa., where he was employed for one year. He then went to 
Ralston, where he also remained one year. In 1839 he went to Farrands- 
ville, Clinton county. Pa. In 1840 he came to Lock Haven, where he re- 
mained two years, working at his trade, which was that of a joiner. In 
1842 he removed to Muncy Creek, Lycoming county. Pa., where he spent 
two years in farming and lumbering. In the spring of 1844 he went to 
Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade until 1847, when he returned 
to Lock Haven, and was taken into partnership by his brother, Ge'orge 
Brown, who was in the mercantile business. In 1852 the latter sold his 
interest to James Fearon. The firm name then became Jacob Brown & 
Company. At the end of the first year James Fearon died, and his 




E. W. BIGONY, 



Lock Haven, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 225 

widow retained an interest in the business until she sold out to Mr. Brown, 
in 1856. Mr. Brown then sold W. H. Mayer a one-third interest in the 
business. The firm then became Brown & Mayer, and their place of busi- 
ness Water street, opposite the Fallon house. In the fall of 1857 Mr. 
Brown sold out his entire interest in the business to W. H. Mayer, and 
the following winter built himself a store room on Main street. In the 
spring of 1858 he started a geTieral store in his own name. In 18G9 he 
enlarged his stock of groceries, and from that time did not deal in any- 
thing but such goods as belonged to that depai tment. In 1874 he took 
his son, B. F. Brown, and Peter Berger into partnership, and the firm 
name again became Jacob Brown & Co. Peter Berger remained in the 
business but a short time, and upon his retiring, the firm name was 
changeil to Jacob Brown & Son, which name it still retains. Jacob Brown 
was married in May, 1848, to a Pliiladelphia lady. IIis children are Mi's. 
William Elliott, Mrs. Andrew Elliott, B. F. Brown and George W. 
Bi-own. The latter was for several years an assistant in the State bank 
of Lock Haven, and now is assistant cashier at the banking house of the 
Lock Haven Trust company. Another son, James, who was a civil en- 
gineer, died of typhoid fever in November, 1889. 



E. W. BIGONY. 

Eph. W. Bigony was born in Emety township, Berks county. Pa., 
March 9th, 1828. When he was six years of age his parents removed to 
near Pottstown, Montgomery county, where the younger members of 
the family i-eceived their education in the public schools. At the age of 
fourteen Mr. Bigony left home to work in the woolen mills of Marl- 
borough, Montgomery county. Here he spent seven years in learning the 
trade of carding and manufacturing woolen goods. In 1849 he secured 
a position in a dry goods store at Allentown, Pa., where he reraamed 
until 1853, when he went to Reading, Pa., where he engaged in the mer- 
cantile business until 1857. He then went to Troy, Pa., where he kept 
hotel for three years. Returning to Allentown, in 1860, he became a 
partner with John Y. Bachtle in the hotel business, having charge of the 
American hotel for two years. In 1862 he came to Lock Haven and took 
charge of the Fallon house, which he purchased from John Fallon, of 
Philadelphia, two years later. He sold the Fallon house, in December, 
1867, to John Otenkirk, of Philadelphia, and went to Bellefonte, Pa., 
wheie he opened the celebrated Bush house. In 1872 he became a pail- 
ner of the late W. W. Rankin in the coal business; which partnership 
lasted until the Central State Normal school of Lock Haven was opened, 
in 1877, when he sold out his interest in the coal business, and assumed 
the stewardship of the school, which position he held until 1883. In the 
spring of 1884 Mr. Bigony went to Ronceverte, W. Va., where he opened 
the Hotel Dickson. He remained there but ten months, when he returned 
to Lock Haven, and engaged in the coal, flour and feed business, which 
he is now following. Mr. Bigony was married to Mary B. Kanouse, of 



226 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Allentown, Pa., in 1853. His family consists of three sons and one 
daughter, viz.: A. J. Bigony, city engineer of Lock Haven; Charles S., 
clerk in the P. & E. railroad office at Sunbury; Ephriam K. and Annie E. 
Bigony, of this city. Politically Mr. Bigony js a Democrat. As a busi- 
ness man he ranks among the best in the city. 



E. L. MOORE. 

E. L. Moore was born in Porter township, Clinton county, Pa., March 
4th, 1841. His father, Jacob Moore, settled in what is now Porter town- 
ship, previous to 1880. Mr. Moore worked on the farm until he reached 
his twenty-tirst year. In August, 18G2, he enlisted for the nine-months' 
service in Company E, 137th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. After 
serving his terra of enlistment he returned to Clinton county. In No- 
vember, 1863, he started a grocery store, in company with George Beck. 
Their store was located below the canal, on Main street. Lock Haven. 
After the flood of 1865 Beck sold his interest to John R. Moore. The 
store was then moved to its present location, on Bellefonte avenue, and 
the firm of Moore Bros, conducted the business until 1880, when E. L, 
Moore purchased the interests of his brother, and since then has con- 
ducted the business. E. L. Moore was married in 1864 to Mary E. 
Millikin, a daughter of 'Squire Joseph Millikin, of Clintondale. They 
have two children. 



JOSEPH CANDOR. 

Joseph Candor was born in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland 
county. Pa., February 22d, 1838. His early life was spent on his father's 
farm. He received his education in the public schools, which he at- 
tended during the winter months, until he reached his eighteenth year. 
He remained on the farm until 1864, when he entered the planing mill 
business, at East Lewisburg, Pa. He remained there until 1868, when 
he came to Lock Haven, and entered the hardware store owned by his 
brother, John Candor, Isaac Shaffer and Shaffer Johnson. He afterwards 
purchased the interests of Messi'S. Shaffer and Johnson, and, in partner- 
ship with his brother, conducied the business until 1883, when he pur- 
chased the interests of his brother, and since that time he has conducted 
the business himself. Mr. Candor was married, in 1876, to a daughter of 
Austin Curtin, of Roland, Centre county, Pa. They have five children. 



R. D. PECK. 

R. D. Peck was born at Bellefonte, July 18th, 1856. He attended the 
public schools of that town until fifteen years of age. He came to Lock 
Haven in 1871, and for a time was owner and pi'oprietor of the Opera 
House hotel and restaurant. In 1877 he became a partner of George 
Ronian, and the firm of Ronian & Peck continued to manage the Opera 
House hotel until 1882, when they sold out and took charge of the Cen- 
tral hotel, corner of Main and Grove streets. During the time he was at 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 227 

the Central Mr. Peck was a member of the brokerage firm of Lowe & 
Peck, with office in the Fredericks block. In 1885 he started a livery 
stable in the alley back of the court house, where his business is still lo- 
cated, lie now keeps from twenty-five to thirty horses at all seasons of 
the year. His larj;e stable is fully equipped with cariiages, cabs, wagons, 
buggies, etc., and his horses are among finest kejjt for the purpose in 
the state. 

R. D. Ptck is one of the most prominent young business men in Lock 
Haven. From 1884 until 1887 he was a member of select council, and 
has served several terms as a member of common council, and is at pres- 
ent just starting on a term of three years as councilman. lie has also 
served his ward as school director, and made a good official in that ca- 
pacity. Mr. Peck was married, in 1882, to Miss Emma M. Walters, of 
Lock Haven. 



P. P. RITTMAN. 

P. P. Rittman was born at WilliaTnsport, Pa., in 1850, and came to 
Lock Haven when ten years of age. He attended the private school of 
Miss Bradford, on Bald Eagle street, and afterwards attended the old 
school house on Main street, and finished his school life at the old 
academy. After leaving school he learned the barber trade, and worked 
at the business for a number of years. In 1881 he stHrted in the house 
furnishing business on the corner of Grove and Church streets, and later 
established a loan office in connection with his other business In 1889 
the building above mentioned became too small for his increasing trade, 
and he moved to his present location, on Bellefonte avenue and Mnin 
street, in what is called the Scott block, which he now occupies. The 
loan office is the only establishment of its kind in the city of Lock Haven. 
Money is loaned on goods at a percentage, and on any time the lender 
may desire; at the expiration of the allotted time the usual gi'ace is 
allowed, and if the goods are not then redeemed, they are sold at a low 
figure and at a great bargain to the buyer. Mr. Rittman was one of the 
managers of the Lock Haven Building and Loan association, and was 
twice elected school director from difl'erent wards. He owes his present 
position among business men to his own energy and perseverance. 



X. B. RINGLER. 

X. B. Ringler was born in Lock Haven, April 30th, 1861. He attended 
the public schools until he reached his seventeenth year, when he entered 
the jewelry and watch making store of J. M. Fabel, where he remained 
for eight years. In May, 1883, he took a trip to Europe, and spent a 
season in traveling through the principal cities of Prussia, Germany, Italy 
and Switzerland, spending the Fourth of July of 1883 in climbing the 
Alps mountains. On January 1st, 1884, he purchased the Deitz hotel, 
now called the First "Ward hotel. He remained there until January 1st, 
1887, when he sold out and purchased the Opera House hotel and res- 



228 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

taurant, which he conducted until September, 1888, when he purchased 
his present business from the estate of J. M. Fabel. Mr. Ringler is a 
staunch Democrat. In February, 1891, he was elected councilman from 
the Second ward. He is a prominent member of the Lock Haven lodge 
of F. & A. M., and also a slirine member of Lu. Lu. Temple of Phila- 
delphia. He was one of the organizers of the Benevolent and Protective 
Oi'der of Elks in Lock Haven, and is present treasurer of the oixler. 



FRANK McMAHON. 

Frank McMahon was born in Ireland in 1839; came to Lock Haven in 
1867. In 1862 Mr. McMahon entered the Army of the Potomac, and served 
served through the entire war, spending nine months in Anderson prison. 
He went to the army from Wayne township, Clinton county. Pa., and 
when he received his discharge, in 1865, he returned to his home. When 
the P. & E. railroad came to Lock Haven he secured employment as a 
brakeman, which position he held for two years. He then went into the 
hotel business as a partner of La Payette Mosher. Two years later he 
started a grocery, and afterwards conducted a wholesale liquor store in 
connection with the grocery business. He lemained in the liquor busi- 
ness for about twenty years. He still conducts the grocery store on 
Clinton avenue. 



J. N. SLOAN. 

J. N. Sloan was born at Jersey Shore, Lycoming county. He was a' 
son of J. F. Sloan, who came to Lock Haven in 1839. He first located 
on Main street, where the tin shop of the late William Sloan now stands, 
and afterwards moved his building to the present site of Baker's store and 
tinware establishment. Here J. N. Sloan and his father carried on the 
furniture and undertaking business until they were burned out, in De- 
cember, 1862. They rebuilt and started again, only to meet with the 
same fate in 1868. They again rebuilt on Grove street. Here they did 
business until 1871, when J. F. Sloan died, and J. N. Sloan- succeeded 
him. J. N. Sloan began the undertaking business at the age of fifteen 
years, and has followed it ever since. During the time he has been in the 
business he has buried over 5,000 persons. His father and grandfather 
before him were undertakers. The latter resided for many years in Wil- 
liamsport. The first hearse used in Clinton county was built by J. F. 
Sloan. It was a rude vehicle at that time. He was the only person in 
Clinton county who followed undertaking as a business, and was often 
called upon to attend funerals in the most remote parts of the county. 
Times have changed since the days of the elder Sloans. J. N. Sloan now 
conveys the dead to their last resting place in a magnificent hearse. Dark 
and costly plumes wave over the head of the sleeper, and no one could 
wish a more magnificent coach. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 229 

J. B. BRICKER. 

J. B. Bricker whs born at Newville, Cumberland county, in 1854. His 
father was Captain John Bricker, who came from Cumberland county, 
and settled in Lock Haven in 1877. He followed the business of under- 
taking previous to his coming, and for nearly ten years after his arrival 
in Lock Haven. J. B. Bricker took charge of his father's business in 
1886, and has followed it ever since. In 1883 he started a livery, sale and 
exchange stable on a small scale, but his business constantly increased, 
and at present he owns one of the most complete and best equipped livery 
stables in Clinton county. He has combined the livery and undertaking 
business, and is prepared to attend to work in either line. He has made 
it a point to familiarize himself with all things connected wtih the burial 
of the dead, and as a funeral director has no superior. 



D. M. MAY. 

Ex-Sheriff D. M. May, now proprietor of the Harmonia hotel, was born 
in Erie county. Pa., in 1843. He went to Renovo in the fall of 18G4. In 
January, 1865, he came to Lock Haven, and took charge of the restaurant 
which was then located at the P & E. station, on Clinton avenue. In 
August, 1865, the said restaurant was moved to Renovo, and D. M. May 
continued as its manager until September, 1865, when he started in the 
market business, running two market cars between Erie and Renovo. In 
September, 1868, he entered the mercantile business at Renovo, and con- 
tinued in the business until the fall of 1872, when his store was burned. 
He then became a railroad contractor, and followed the business for two 
years. In 1874 he opened the European house, at Renovo, and continued 
as proprietor of the said place untiri884, when he was elected sheriff of 
Clinton county. In 1888 he became proprietor of tJie Keller hotel, on 
Grove street, where he remained until the winter of 1890, when he moved 
to his present place of business. D. M. May is married to Margaret 
Bridgens, a daughter af Robert Bridgens, and sister of J. Warren Bridg 
ens, of Lock Haven. They have five children living, two sons and three 
daughters. D. M. May was elected constable of Renovo in 1865, and 
held the position four years. He also served as chief burgess of the same 
place for one year, being elected in 1868. 



RENOVO. 

ABOUT the year 1825 William Baird left Jersey Shore, 
and with his canoe loaded with provisions and a few 
household goods pushed his way up the Susquehanna, and 
settled on the bank of the river, twenty-eight miles west of 
Lock Haven. He found there a rude dwelling that had 
been built several years before his arrival, and in it he made 
his home. A few years after this he married Margaret 
Stout, and the couple were soon surrounded by a family of 
sons and daughters, who, by their industry and perseverance 
on reaching manhood and womanhood, made the spot 
selected by their father a beautiful and fertile farm. They 
continued to cultivate the farm until the lumbering interests 
of the region became a source of profit. The young men 
then turned their attention to the new industry, and were 
amply rewarded for their labor. When the resources of 
the section became known to men of wealth, they decided 
to construct a railroad through the valley. With them to 
think was to act, and in 1847 several preliminary surveys 
were made, and ten years later the projected road from 
Sunbury to Erie was started, and in 1862 the whistle of the 
locomotive first awoke the echoes of the valley. The old 
inhabitants of the place hailed this event with joy, as all felt 
it was the opening of a new era of prosperity. They felt 
that it would enable them to obtain not only the comforts 
but the luxuries of life. The railroad was rapidly pushed 
on to Erie, and as trade and travel sought the convenience 
of this thoroughfare, substantial work shops became a neces- 
sity, and the P. & E. railroad company decided to locate 
their shops on the plateau upon which was the homestead 
farm of William Baird. At this juncture several influential 
capitalists organized the P. & E. land company. The said 
company then purchased the Baird farm, and conveyed all 
that part of it lying north of the railroad to the P. & E. 




cJOHN E. HOULAHflN, 



Chief Burgess of Renovo, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 23 1 

railroad company, who at once set to work erecting their 
extensive shops for the accommodation of the growing in- 
terests of the road. 

The round house was the first building commenced. The 
foundation upon which it stands was laid in August, 1863. 
The work was carried on under the supervision of H. R. 
Campbell. Skillful and energetic mechanics and laborers 
were in great demand, and they came in scores from all 
parts of the country. The work did not stop until the 
machine shops, store-houses, offices, wood departments, 
etc., were completed. The buildings were all built of brick, 
many of which were made on the ground. About this time 
the railroad was completed to Erie, and the site upon which 
the town of Renovo now stands was made the eastern ter- 
minus of the middle division. J. J. Lawrence was the first 
superintendent. He resigned the position in 1865. 

A. M. Cleveland was the first trainmaster in Renovo, 
William H. Ginter, the first train dispatcher, and F. Petrekin, 
the first express and ticket agent. Harry Alford, as en- 
gineer, brought the first passenger train from the east, and 
W. L. Foster, as engineer, brought the first one from the 
west. He also ran the first engine into the round house. 
The railroad station was finished in the latter part of 1865, 
and the Renovo house erected in 1869, and attached to the 
station. The hotel and station both stand on ground set 
apart for the purpose by the land company when they laid 
out the town. The land belonging to the hotel includes 
the site upon which the old Baird dwelling stood. 

In 1864 Major G. J. Ball, an enterprising member of the 
P. & E. land company, was made agent for the said com- 
pany. He offered lots for sale upon such easy terms that 
they sold readily, and the town was built up rapidly. For 
a time almost every house in the place was a boarding 
house. The U. S. hotel, which was the first built of its 
kind in the town, was erected by Jacob Von Ulrich in 1865. 
This was for a time the popular resort of the shop employes 
and the railroad men. 



232 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Through the efforts of Rev. Kendall, a Presbyterian min- 
ister, a chapel was erected and dedicated to God and the 
public schools. This structure was for a time occupied in 
common by the different religious denominations, but it 
soon became too small. Rev. J. B. Mann about this time 
succeeded in securing the erection of a Methodist chapel on 
Seventh street. These buildings were used until 1867, when 
both congregations were able to build more commodious 
structures. 

Miss Brown taught the first public school in Renovo, Miss 
M. A. Heverly the second. Both were excellent teachers. 

In the spring of 1865 the railroad company erected a 
row of double houses on Sixth street, which accommodated 
twelve families. At the close of 1865 there were not a 
dozen dwellings east of Sixth street. In 1866 the railroad 
company erected a number of dwellings, principally for the 
officers and foreman of the company, near the still waters of 
"Swampoodle." From this period the rapid growth of 
Renovo commenced, property increased in value, and soon 
the fields around the town were dotted with houses, and 
the streets filled with an industrious, energetic and pros- 
perous population, numbering in 1870 over 2,000. In 1879 
the population had increased to nearly 3,000. 

In the spring of 1866 the place was incorporated as a 
borough, and the first election under the charter held. The 
officers elected at that time were: Captain J. S. Hall, chief 
burgess; Jacob Givler, Patrick Shelley, J. Y. Rothrock, W. 
H. May and Peter Quinn, councilmen; William Hartzig 
and D. M. May, con.stables; W. P. Baird and John Reilley, 
justices of the peace; P. C. Moyer, James Murphy, J. S. 
Hall, W. P. Baird, Joseph Whitby and M. Forbes, school 
directors; Dr. Reynolds and R. Walthall, overseers of the 
poor; Joseph Whitby, judge of election; J. D. Glenn and 
A. Shenefelt, inspectors; J. R. Kendig, auditor. 

Under the above council the principal streets and avenues 
were graded, and board walks laid. The first meeting of 
the council was held June ist, 1866. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 233 

The first brick building in town was erected by Captain 
Edward T. Swain, for a drug store and dwelling, which is 
still occupied by him. Not until the beginning of 1872 did 
others use brick. In that year Messrs. Murphy & Co. 
erected two handsome brick business houses on Erie ave- 
nue, near the corner of Fourth street. Then followed dur- 
ing the same year the building of the Selle brick block, P. 
O'Hagan's brick store, the Binder hotel, the National bank 
building, besides a number of handsome brick dwellings. 

The first brick pavement in the town was laid in 1870 by 
Nathan Sterner. 

The first dealers in merchandise in Renovo were Messrs. 
Lowe & Munday, who began business in 1863. They sold 
out to Messrs. Wells & Baird. The room used by them 
was built on the river bank in 1863, and afterwards moved 
to Erie avenue. In its basement ex-Sheriff D. M. May, 
kept a grocery and variety store, and the upper story was 
used as the office of the Renovo Record at the same time. 
In 1864 the firm of Wells & Baird changed into Wells, 
Murphy & Co., and afterwards to James Murphy, and the 
business of J. B. Given & Son was the next one started. It 
was started in 1865. 

The Renovo industrial co-operative association. No. i, 
was started January ist, 1872, under a charter received 
May, 1 87 1. 

For 1 87 1 there were, besides the above named stores, six 
groceries and confectioneries, six dry goods stores, and six 
millinery and dressmaking establishments, one tobacco 
store, two drug stores, three merchant tailoring establish- 
ments, two bakeries, two meat markets, one stove and tin- 
ware store, one furniture store, one bank, one newspaper 
office, and a large library and a reading room. There was 
also a town hall, an Odd Fellows' hall, a Masonic hall, a 
building and loan association, a cornet band, six graded 
schools, nine secret societies, three physicians, one lawyer, 
and history tells us but one able-bodied loafer. 

16 



234 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

On the spot where once stood the rude cabin of William 
Baird, we now find a rich and prosperous town, where once 
the echo of the savage war whoop was heard, and where 
the Indian warrior sped his light canoe on the placid waters 
of the Susquehanna, we now find naught but the peaceful 
hum of industry. The Indian warrior has gone, in obedience 
to the laws of civilization, and on the extreme western con- 
fines of his own native land he is making a feeble stand for 
the remnant of his heritage. 

In 1878 the borough was divided into two wards, called 
the First and Second wards. 

On May i6th, 1887, the borough, by a decree of the 
court, was divided into three wards, called the West, Mid- 
dle and East wards. Under this decree each ward was en- 
titled to two councilmen. 

On January 8th, 1889, the court decreed that the borough 
should have nine councilmen, three for each ward, and the 
number was increased at the election which followed in 
November. 

CHIEFS OF POLICE. 

The first chief of police of Renovo was George W. 
Vernes, who was appointed to that position by Chief Bur- 
gess Benjamin F. Rumberger, on February 9th, 1883. 
Previous to that time the principal peace officer was the 
high constable. Mr. Vernes served until December 31st, 
1887, upon which date he resigned. 

Philip Paul was appointed chief of police by Burgess 
James H. Ferguson, March 5th, 1888, and he served until 
March 12th, 1889, when he was shot by Charles Cleary. 

John M. Wilson was appointed May 27th, 1889, and 
served for one month. He was reappointed by the burgess 
June 24th, but failed of confirmation before council. 

Thomas H. Kane was appointed August ist, 1889, and 
served until February ist, 1890. 

William Lynn was sworn in May 1st, 1890, and served to 
May 3d, i8c)0. Resigned. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 235 

Emery Power was sworn in June 6th, 1890, and served 
until August 3d, 1890. Resigned. 

Lee Berry was appointed September 22d, 1890, and still 
occupies the position. 

CHIEF BURGESSES OF RENOVO. 

Chief burgesses of Renovo, when elected and length of 
time served is given below: 

James S. Hall, elected at first borough election, May 
26th, 1866; served to March 2d, 1867. 

Owen Rayser, from March 2d, 1867. Resigned (in Oc- 
tober,) 1867. 

William H. May, elected burgess at a special election 
held in November, 1867. 

William Barkla, served from March 7th, 1868. 

T. L. Chapman, term began March 6th, 1869. 

Dennis M. May, term began March, 1870. 

A. S. Crawford, term began March, 1872. Resigned 
October 7th, 1873. 

Matthew Dean, a member of council, elected by council 
to succeed Mr. Crawford, October 14th, 1873, under pro- 
visions of Indiana-Brookville Act, extended to Renovo 
borough in 1872. 

(Term of burgess made three years by above act). 

Frank Harvey, term began February 28th, 1874, served 
to April 2d, 1877. 

George W. Fessler, served from April 2d, 1877, to April 
5th, 1880. 

Henry K. Stout, served from April 5th, 1880, to April 
27th, 1882, when he resigned. 

Benjamin F. Rumberger, appointed by court to serve out 
unexpired term of Mr. Stout. 

James H. Ferguson, served from April 2d, 1883; re- 
elected, and second term began April 5 th ,1886; re-elected for 
term commencing March, 1889. Resigned March 20th, 1891. 

B. J. Smyth, a member of council, elected burgess by 
council for unexpired term; served to March 7th, 1892. 



236 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

John E. Houlahan, term of three years, began March 7th, 
1892. 

The members of the council which organized in March, 
1892, are as follows: President, R. N. Martin; clerk, P. A. 
Kinsley; E. T. Swain, C. H. Potts, T. J. Callahan, W. E. 
Gilliland, R. N. Martin, Miles Irvin, E. P. Bowling, L. P. 
Garry and C. S. Mclnerney. 

Other borough officers are as follows: Chief burgess, J, 
E. Houlahan; treasurer, John Smith, Esq.; overseer of the 
poor, J. F. Good; high constable, R. A. Reid; constables — 
West ward, Lee Berry; Middle ward, Ira C. Hall; East 
ward, John M. Wilson; chief of police, Lee Berry; justices 
of the peace, John Smith and A. F. Neylon; commissioner, 
George Burgers. 

RENOVO POST-OFFICE. 

The office at Renovo was finst called Drury's Run, and 
was established August 8th, 185 1, and Michael Stout was 
appointed postmaster. He held the office until August 17th, 
1863, when the name was changed to Renovo, and Zebulon 
M. P. Baird was appointed postmaster. He held the office 
until November 21st, 1865. His successors were appointed 
and served as follows : 

Newton Wells, from November 21st, 1865, to March i ith, 
1868. 

Anthony Dwyer, from March nth, 1868, to March 29th, 
1869. 

Newton Wells, from March 29th, 1869, to November loth, 
1885. 

F. Harvey, from November loth, 1885, to April 29th, 
1890. 

W. Kipp Chesnutt was appointed April 29th, 1890, and 
is the present incumbent. 

Statement showing the gross receipts for the different 
periods, and which gives a general idea of the business 
of the offices : 




HON. W. KIPP CHESNUTT, 



Renovo, Pa. 



Gross Receipts. 


Compensation of 
Postmasters. 


$ 17.86 


$ 


7.26 


32.47 




15. II 


• 131-14 




60.24 


1,674.99 




74500 


3,230.46 




1,300.00 


4,204.15 




1,500.00 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 237 

Yeai-s. 
1857. - - - - 

i86o, ----- 
1863, - - - - 

1870, ----- 

1880, - - - - 

1889, - - - - . 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The First Presbyterian church of Renovo is the outcome 
of missionary work done by the Presbytery of Northumber- 
land. The first Presbyterian missionary to visit these re- 
gions, as far as we know, was the Rev. James Thompson, 
who, in 1818, traveled up as far as Bennett's branch of the 
Sinnemahoning. Some years later he was followed by Rev. 
Daniel Barber, who for several years resided at North 
Bend (now so named), and built there a log church, which 
was also used as a school house. Rev. Phineas Marr and 
Rev. John H. Grier also preached at various stations along 
the river, but probably Rev. James D. Reardon was the 
pioneer laborer in Renovo. His Sunday afternoon services 
in the round house are still remembered. He was followed 
by Rev. Isaac W. Rendall, now president of Lincoln uni- 
versity, who divided his time between North Bend, Renovo 
and Emporium. During his time was erected a temporary 
board tent, used for preaching services and Sunday school, 
and in this building was organized, December 19th, 1865, 
the present church, with one elder and eleven members. 
To the next laborer, Rev. Samuel S. Sturgess, the church 
is indebted for its present place of worship — a neat brick 
building, with sittings for 350 persons, situated on the cor- 
ner of Sixth street and Huron avenue, which was dedicated 
April 3d, 1869. The following ministers have served the 
church since: Revs. William Life, Alven C. Campbell, 
Thaddeus McRea, who was the first regularly installed pas- 
tor, Samuel H. Reid, Robert M. Stevenson and John D. 
Cook, the present pastor, who began his labors here in 



238 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

June, 1879. The church is in a prosperous condition, hav- 
ing a membership of 260, and a Sunday school with a few 
over 300 on the roll. 

Rev. John D. Cook, the present pastor of the First Pres- 
byterian church of Renovo, was born at Danville, Pa., Sep. 
tember 12th, 1848. He attended the public schools of the 
city for a time, and later attended Danville institute for six 
years ; after which he secured employment in a rolling mill, 
where he worked until he secured enough money to take a 
course in telegraphy and book-keeping at Iron City college, 
Pittsburg, Pa. After this time he was employed for a sea- 
son in a store in Providence, now part of the city of Scran- 
ton. From February ist, 1868, until September, 1870, he 
was employed as book-keeper, but upon the last named 
date he entered Princeton college, graduating from that 
institution in 1874. After his graduation he returned to 
Danville, where he had charge of the First ward grammar 
school for five years. During the time he was engaged in 
teaching he was also employed in evangelistic labor in the 
country districts around Danville. In 1878 he was ap- 
pointed county superintendent of Montour county, Pa., by 
State Superintendent Wickersham to fill out the unexpired 
term of W. A. Henry, who had died. Previous to his com- 
ing to Renovo, in 1879, ^^ spent four months traveling in 
Europe. Mr. Cook was married in 1875 to Fannie R. 
Rishell, of Danville, Pa. During the twelve years he has 
been in Renovo he has made many friends. 

ZION's evangelical LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

Under the supervision of Rev. John Sander steps were 
taken in the spring of 1881 towards the organization of a 
Lutheran church in Renovo. During the summer regular 
services were held by Mr. Charles S. Seaman, at that time 
a student in the Lutheran theological seminary, in Phila- 
delphia. On July lOth, 1881, a permanent congregation 
was organized with a membership of about sixty. The fol- 
lowing were elected the first council of the congregation: 
John Fox, Sr., George Anderson, Lorane Hedstrom, Joseph 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 239 

R. Koehler, N. M. Eisenhour, Charles Johnson, John Soden- 
berg and Gust Melquist. From September, 1881, to June, 
1882, the congregation was supplied with preaching at irreg- 
ular intervals by Rev. J .Sander, Mr. C. S. Seaman and 
neighboring Lutheran pastors. In the fall of 1881 a call 
to become pastor of the congregation was extended to Mr. 
C. S. Seaman, who, upon his graduation from the theolog- 
ical seminary and ordination to the gospel ministry, ac- 
cepted the call and entered upon his duties as pastor of the 
charge on June 23d, 1882, A constitution was adopted 
and the congregation duly incorporated. 

In November, 1883, the site for a church, on the corner 
of Huron avenue and Eleventh street, was purchased, and 
a modest but commodious little church built and duly 
dedicated. 

Rev. C. S. Seaman was married shortly after entering the 
active work of the ministry. He resigned the pastorate in 
Renovo to accept a call to the Adamsburg, Westmoreland 
county, charge in December, 1886. A call was thereupon 
extended by the Renovo congregation to Rev. L. M. C. 
Weicksel, who accepted, and began his pastoral labors in 
the charge February 20th, 1887. 

The congregation began a vigorous campaign against a 
heavy debt resting on it, and had it well nigh disposed of 
when the flood of June ist, 1889, seriously damaged the 
church property, and severely tried the metal of the con- 
gregation. But it seemed only to stimulate and quicken 
the devotion and activity of the members, and they very 
soon had the remainder of the debt disposed of, and the 
church property repaired and improved. 

In November, 1889, about twenty-five of the Swedish 
members withdrew in order to unite with a Swedish Luth- 
eran congregation which was being organized in Renovo 

In the fall and early winter of 1890 a commodious par- 
sonage was built on the church lot adjoining the church. 
It was formally dedicated to its specified purpose February 



240 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

24th, 1 89 1, by Rev. D. M. Kemerer, mission superintendent 
of the Pittsburg synod, to which synod the congregation 
belongs. 

At this writing, July, 1892, the congregation is in a vig- 
orous and flourishing condition; having an active, wide- 
awake membership of iio, a Sunday school of 140, and an 
active and successful Ladies' Working association. The 
congregation has reached its present state of development 
as a mission of the Pittsburg synod of the Evangelical 
Lutheran church, but will soon become an independent 
charge. 

Rev. L. M. C. Weicksel, present pastor of Zion Evangel- 
ical Lutheran church, Renovo, was born near Franklin, 
Venango county, Pa., April 30, 1853. His father was Rev. 
Henry Weicksel, also a Lutheran minister. The family 
moved to Wilmington, Del., in 1864, where they remained 
for three years. In 1867 the subject of this sketch entered 
Thiel hall, at Water Cure, Beaver county, Pa., where he 
took an academic course of two years. In 1869 he entered 
the Freshman class of Muhlenberg college, at AUentown, 
Pa., and graduated from there in 1873. He next entered 
the Lutheran theological school of Philadelphia, graduating 
from there in 1876. He then went to Goshen, Ind., where 
he held the pastorate of a congregation for six years. Then 
to San Francisco, where he was engaged in mission work 
until 1885, when he came East, and after being without 
a charge for two years he accepted the pastorate of the 
Renovo church in February, 1887. During the time that 
Rev. Weicksel has had charge of the Renovo church the 
congregation under his care has greatly flourished, and 
much good has been done. Rev. Weicksel was married at 
Goshen, Ind., July 17, 1890, to Miss Annie Butler, of that 
place. He at present resides in the neat and cozy parson- 
age on Huron avenue. 

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church was organized 
November 20th, 1889, in the G. A. R. hall, Renovo, Clin- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 24 1 

ton county, Pa., by Rev. P. A. Bergquist and Rev. M. A. 
Nordstrom, of Wilcox, Pa. Rev. P. A. Bergquist was 
elected chairman and Nils Ohsander, secretary. A consti- 
tution, recommended by the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran 
Augustance synod of North America, was read and adopted 
as the constitution of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran St. 
John's church of Renovo. The said church is incorporated 
under the laws of the state of Pennsylvania. The church 
started with lOO communicants, and was the first church 
started by the denomination in Clinton county. This con- 
gregation as yet have no church structure of their own, but 
expect to build one in a short time, having purchased for 
the purpose two valuable lots on the corner of Eighth street 
and Ontario avenue. 

The present officers of the church are as follows: Rev. 
A. P. Sater, ex-officio ; M. E. Person, secretary ; Ola John- 
son, treasurer. Deacons, C. J. Sellberg, secretary ; C. M. 
Person, M. Anderson, Ola J. Goramson, P. W. Carlson, Os- 
car Hallberg. Trustees, Ola Johnson, Nils Anderson, Alek 
Ostlund, Chr. J. Asklund, secretary; C. M.Swenson, August 
Sellberg, Kristoffer Kjellberg. 

Rev. A. P. Sater, present pastor of the Swedish Lutheran 
church of Renovo, was born in Sweden, January 4th, 1855. 
He received the foundation of his education in the land of 
his birth. When 18 years of age he landed at New York, 
and went from there to St. Peter, Minn., where he entered 
the Gustavus Adolphus college. After graduating from 
that institution he entered Augustina college and theolog- 
ical seminary at Rock Island, 111., where he received his 
ministerial preparation, and was ordained at Rockford, 111., 
June 26th, 1885. He then returned to Minnesota and took 
charge of a congregation at a place in Murray county, that 
state, where he remained until 1889, when he moved to 
Mayville, N. Y. He was located there for eighteen months, 
and came from there to Renovo in August, 1890. Besides 
the Renovo church he had a congregation in Williams- 
port, and four mission stations, one in Clinton and three in 
Lycoming county. 



242 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

TRINITY PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This church was established in Renovo by Rev. J. H. 
Black, of WiUiamsport, May 22d, 1875. The congregation 
started with six members, named as follows: Forsythe 
Petrikin, P. W. Flower, David P. Scott, Harriet Richardson, 
Kate S. Washburn and Elizabeth McGill. Services were 
held for a time in Odd Fellows' hall, and just previous to 
the erection of the church they were held in Sullivan's 
opera house. The present church structure, located on 
Third street, was completed in January, 1881. The church 
was consecrated to the service of Almighty God on Novem- 
ber 22d, 1881, by the Rev. Bishop Howe. Many other dis- 
tinguished ministers of the Episcopal faith were present, 
and also the famous choir from the St. James church, of 
Philadelphia. The church is a mission of the Central Penn- 
sylvania division. The church property is valued at ^5,000. 
Rev. J. H. Black continued to serve as rector until May 8th, 
1887, when he severed his connection with the church, after 
a successful pastorate of twelve years. 

Rev. Black was succeeded as rector by Rev. K. L. Nelson, 
of Alexandria, Va., who came in October, 1887, and re- 
mained until September, 1888, when he was compelled to 
resign on account of ill-health. He was offered six months* 
leave of absence, but thought it wiser to resign. 

Rev. Jeremiah Cooper was the next rector of the parish. 
He remained until Easter Sunday. 1891, when he resigned 
to accept a call elsewhere. During the vacancy, which oc- 
curred in the summer of 1887, the services were read by 
Mr. Charles Richardson, who was licensed lay rector. Mr. 
Richardson, after a long and faithful service as a member 
of the church, died May 5th, 1890. Soon after the organ- 
ization of the church, a Sunday school was established, 
which has been maintained with gratifying results up to the 
present time. R. W. Flower has served as superintendent 
of the school from its organization. When Rev. Black left, 
there was no one in authority, and at the suggestion of Rev- 
Foster Ely, D. D., who visited the church at that time, a 




R. m. GLENN, 



Renovo. Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 243 

mission was organized. The executive committee appointed 
was composed of the following named gentlemen : Messrs. 
Richardson, Roberts and Gardner. 

EARLY METHODISM. 

Early Methodism on the West Branch of the Susque- 
hanna river, and its tributaries above Lock Haven, dates 
from 1831. It is known from positive evidence that the 
Genesee conference erected Sinnemahoning circuit, and at- 
tached it to the Cataraugus district in 1832. Benjamin 
Preston was the first preacher or missionary sent into this 
district. He remained and preached during 1832 and 1833 ! 
Rev. Jennings and Heylick in 1S33 and 1834; John Dem- 
ing, Lorenzo Whipple and Matthew Hanna in 1835. Mr. 
Hanna only filled his appointments for a short time. 

There is one very positive character in this connection, 
whose walk and conversation has been a "tower of strength" 
to early Methodism. I refer to Samuel Kelly, familiarly 
known as "Pappy" Kelly, who then resided on Kettle creek, 
near Hammersly's Forks. 

Sinnemahoning was a six weeks' circuit, and the three 
ministers made it a point to hold services on Kettle creek 
every two weeks. On one occasion an appointment was 
made for preaching and the people gathered from far and 
near, but no minister came, and so it went for five weeks. 
Then the minister came, but no congregation. Rev. Whipple 
appointed preaching for another date, and among the number 
present was Samuel Kelly, who was lead thither by his good 
wife Nancy. This time the preacher was not on hand. Mr. 
Kelly vowed he would never again be fooled by a Methodist 
preacher. He started for the house of a neighbor, and on 
his way met Mr. Deeming, the minister, who inquired as to 
the place of meeting. Mr. Kelly was pleased with the man- 
ner of the preacher, and accepted an invitation to return 
with him. He listened with delight to the sermon. So 
great was the impression made upon him that he yielded to 
the entreaties of his friends, and was baptized. Eight weeks 



244 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 

after his baptism llev. Lorenzo Whipple held services in the 
same place, but Samuel Kelly was not among the number 
present at the meeting— he had remained at home. A 
young lady named Rachel Summerson was sent for the 
truant, and persuaded him to return with her to the place of 
meeting, which he did. On this occasion he was converted 
and made a class leader. A time and place for prayer meet- 
ing was appointed, and Mr. Kelly started to the spot, armed 
with a written prayer. Many of his old associates had 
come to the place to hear what their companion had to say. 
Mr. Kelly read the scriptures and offered prayer; not the 
written one, however, but one the Lord taught him. He was 
truly inspired; somuchso,thatthosewho came out of curios- 
ity and mischievous purposes were so awed into submission, 
that the people^of God, and especially Samuel Kelly, were 
left unmolested thence and ever afterward, and God's cause 
prospered. 

The first class consisted of the following persons: Samuel 
Kelly, leader; Mrs. Nancy Kelly, Daniel Dougherty and 
wife, Mrs. Catharine Vincent, Josias Vincent, Samuel Vincent, 
Mrs. Margaret Kelly, Mrs. Summerson and Richard Ricard. 

In 1838 the Rev. Babcock was preaching at the house 
of Isaac Summerson, on Kettle creek. Suddenly a deep 
interest was manifested by the baying of hounds in the 
distance. The sturdy hunters of that region became very 
restless as the noise indicated the direction of the chase, 
which was approaching the place of meeting. The interest 
in the sermon was transferred to the music of the dogs. 
When everybody's feelings were strung to the utmost ten- 
sion, a handsome deer passed the house with the hounds in 
close pursuit. In an in.stant the house was emptied, includ- 
ing the preacher. The deer was soon dispatched, and after 
it had been strung up the Rev. Babcock, who had followed 
the procession, and who was an intensely interested specta- 
tor, suggested that they return to the house and finish the 
services. This was done. This was the second deer that 
had disturbed their meetings with the same result. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 245 

Pappy Kelly, as everybody calls him, has remained a 
faithful follower of his Savior ever since — a period of fifty- 
seven years. He has never been freed from the responsible 
position of class leader during all this time. He has held 
the positions of trustee, steward and exhorter. He is now 
81 years old. In health he is feeble; in faith he is strong. 
He is patiently waiting his Master's call to his heavenly 
home. In 1838 the Rev. William Gaire was sent to this 
circuit to take into consideration the feasibility of transfer- 
ring Sinnemahoning circuit from the Genesee to the Balti- 
more conference. The transfer was made and this people 
have remained under their jurisdiction ever since. 

BALTIMORE CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS. 

^§39 — John Miller, presiding elder; Thomas Taneyhill, 
George Bergstresser. 

1840 — John Miller, presiding elder; William Butler, S. 
V. Blake. 

1841 — George Hildt, presiding elder; William Butler, 
Elisha D. Owen. 

1842— George Hildt, presiding elder; Francis M. Mills, 
W. T. D. Clemm. 

1843— George Hildt, presiding elder; F. M. Mills, Eph- 
raim McCollom. 

1844— George Hildt, presiding elder; W. R. Mills, John 
W. Elliott. 

1845 — Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; P. B. Reese, John 
Stine. 

1846 — Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; John Stine. 

1847 — Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; J. W. Haugh- 
awaut. 

1848 — Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; J. W. Haugh- 
awaut. 

1849 — John A. Gere, presiding elder; I. H. Torrence. 

1850 — John A. Gere, presiding elder; I. H. Torrence, A. 
T. Ewinsr. 



246 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

1 85 1 — John A. Gere, presiding elder; Joseph G. Mc- 
Keehan, H. W. Bellman. 

1852 — John A. Gere, presiding elder; Joseph G. Mc- 
Keehan, A. G. Murlatt. 

1853 — Thomas B. Sargent, presiding elder; J. J. Pearce, 
W. C. Gault. 

1854 — John Poisal, presiding elder; Justice A. Melick. 

1855 — John Poisal, presiding elder; Justice A. Melick, 
T. A. Gotwalt. 

1856 

EAST BALTIMORE CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS. 

1857 — C. B. Tippelt, presiding elder; A. Hartman, J. H. 
McCord. 

1858 — James Sanks, presiding elder ; A. Hartman, S. Mc- 
Williams. 

1859 — James Sanks, presiding elder; A. R. Reilley, J. 
P. Cole. 

i860 — James Sanks, presiding elder; B. P. King, H. 
M. Ash. 

1861 — James Sanks, presiding elder; B. P. King, George 
Leidy, 

1862 — Thomas J. Reese, presiding elder; J. Y. Roth- 
rock. 

1863 — Thomas J. Reese, presiding elder; Joseph Y- 
Rothrock. 

1864 — Thomas J. Reese, presiding elder; John B. Mann. 

1865— -W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; John B. 
Mann. 

During this year, 1865, the Rev. J. B. Mann conceived 
the idea of building a chapel for Renovo. His foresight 
saw a busy town in the near future. He desired to prepare 
for the people who were locating here. Through his in- 
dividual efforts a frame building 24x30 feet was erected on 
Fifth street, between P>ie and Huron avenues, which proved 
to be a great convenience for early Methodism in Renovo, 
for previous to the completion of this building the people 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 247 

were compelled to worship at Drury's Run school house. 
This new house of worship contained neilher plaster nor 
paint. Many of our people coming in were from larger 
towns and cities, they were accustomed to first-class ac- 
commodations. The shanty on Fifth street, known as 
"Mann's Tabernacle," was usually filled to overflowing, but 
they yielded gracefully to circumstances. Many a glorious 
meeting was held here. 

1866 — W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; George W. 
Van Fossen. 

1867 — W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; George W- 
Van Fossen. 

In 1866 a new church enterprise was instituted for 
Renovo. The following gentlemen were appointed a build- 
ing committee: Rev. G. W. Van Fossen, Dr. J. P. Ashcom, 
Captain James S. Hall, Newton Wells and Edwin A. Beck. 
Plans and specifications were procured for a handsome two- 
story church, 60x100 feet, which would have been an 
honor to the building committee, and an ornament to our 
mountain city. The majority, however, were in favor of a 
smaller and cheaper structure; hence they curtailed the 
plans and reduced the size of the church from its original 
dimensions, 60x100 feet, to 45x70 feet. This change was 
made after the foundation walls had been built as per orig- 
inal specifications. This was a bad day for Renovo Meth- 
odism. The structure looked more like an old Pennsylvania 
barn than a place of worship, but it was used as a place of 
worship for about fifteen years. Its usefulness soon de- 
parted ; its seating capacity being only 200 closely packed, 
soon failed to accommpnate the increasing demands for 
more room. 

1868 — W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; Martin L. 
Dunn. 

1869 — Thompson Mitchell, presiding elder; A. M. Kester. 

At the last quarterly conference of the ministerial years 
of 1869 and 1870, a resolution was presented to the official 
board requesting that Renovo be made a station. The ques- 



248 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

tion of Renovo's ability to sustain herself as a station was 
very much doubted. Notwithstanding the doubts and mis- 
givings of the faint-hearted and credulous, a vote was taken 
on the question, which was carried by a majority of one 
vote. 

RENOVO STATION CONFERENCE. 

1870 — James Curns, presiding elder; A. M. Kester. 

1 87 1 to 1874 — James Curns, presiding elder; A. M. 
Creighton. 

1874 to 1876 — Thompson Mitchell, presiding elder; 
George Warren. 

1876 to 1879 — John J. Pearce, presiding elder; James 
Hunter. 

1879 to 1880 — John J. Pearce, presiding elder; B. P. 
King. 

1 88 1 to 1882 — Ezra H. Yocum, presiding elder; B. P. 
King. 

1882 to 1885 — Ezra H. Yocum, presiding elder; W- A. 
Stevens. 

1885 to 1887 — W. A. Stevens, presiding elder; W. C. 
Robbins. 

1888 to 1890 — W. A. Stevens, presiding elder; J. Patton 
Moore. 

1891 to 1892 — Milton K. Foster, presiding elder; Findley 
B. Riddle. 

During the pastorate of the Rev. George Warren, he or- 
ganized a Ladies' Aid society as a financial auxilliary to the 
church. The organization took place April 9th, 1875, and 
has continued in successful operation ever since. Its first 
officers were: Mrs. E. A. Beck, president, Mrs. J. P. 
Ashcom, vice president ; Miss Nannie J. Warren, secretary ; 
Mrs. Hiram McDonald, treasurer. 

Much good has been accomplished by this organization. 
It has aided the church financially. In the early days of 
Renovo Methodism it assisted the trustees out of many a 
difficulty, where funds were wanted for immediate use. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 249 

Their dues were but ten cents a month, and yet this com- 
paratively meagre saving, together with the efforts of the 
Christian women of the church in festivals, etc., brought into 
the treasury the handsome sum of ^4,175. Among the 
women of the church who contributed largely to this grat- 
ifying result with both money and labor, and who deserve 
to be mentioned in this connection, are: Mrs. E. A. Beck, 
Mrs. W. H. Nicholas, Mrs. George W. Sapp, Mrs. James 
C Dean, Mrs. James S. Hall, Mrs. Thomas Hawksworth, 
Miss Paulina Watson, Mrs. A. W. Cheesman, Mrs. J. W. 
Venatta, Mrs. R. M. Glenn, Mrs. B. A. Leisher, Mrs. R. M. 
Messimer, Mrs. George VV. Corwin and others. 

The present officers of the society are as follows : Mrs. 
James S. Hall, president; Mrs. W. H. Nicholas, vice pres- 
ident; Mrs. J. A. Poorman, secretary; Miss Kate Zimmer- 
man, treasurer. 

The society is in a very flourishing condition at present. 
It has instituted a sinking fund into which all surplus funds 
are deposited, for the purpose of liquidating any debts that 
have accrued or may accrue to the church. They have also 
established what is known as the Sinking Fund Sewing circle, 
as an auxilliary to the Ladies' Aid society. This depart- 
ment is doing a noble work. Its officers are: Mrs. Miles 
Irvin, president; Mrs. Joseph Whitby, vice president; Mrs. 
P. C. Moyer, secretary. 

During the pastorate of B. P. King, a commodious brick 
parsonage was erected. This occurred in the summer of 
1879. It is now one of the best homes for the preachers in 
the Central Pennsylvania conference. It is convenient and 
comfortable. It is supplied with steam heat and electric 
light. The furniture of the parsonage is excellent, and in 
fact in all its appointments it is first-class. 

In 1882 the main body of the church was remodeled ; it 
was enlarged and reseated, a tower erected, and the general 
condition and appearance of the church has been very 
greatly improved and beautified. This was done at a cost 
of $8,195.30. 

17 



250 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The value of church property to-day is, - - ^14,500.00 
The value of parsonage property to-day is, - 3,000.00 

Total value, ----- -$17,500.00 

The present trustees are: A. Kupp, president; P. C. 
Moyer, secretary; John O. Crites, treasurer; Peter F. Buck, 
Joseph Whitby, B. A. Leisher, John Green, J. J. Boyer and 
E. P. Thurston. 

Rev. Findley B. Riddle, the present pastor of the M. E. 
church at Renovo, was born near Howard, Centre county, 
Pa., December 31st, 1829. His early education was re- 
ceived in the public schools. He also attended Dickinson 
college, at Carlisle, Pa., and the Biblical institute of Concord, 
N. H. He entered the Baltimore conference of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church in 1857, and at the division of that 
conference fell with the East Baltimore conference in 1869. 
Upon the organization of the Central Pennsylvania con- 
ference, he became one of its members by being on a charge 
within its bounds. He has, during his ministerial career of 
over thirty-four years, served the church at Shamokin three 
times, and the St. Paul's, of Danville, twice. He has also 
served the First Street Methodist church of Altoona, the 
Berwick, Huntingdon, Tyrone, Lewisburg, Bloomsburg, 
and his present charge at Renovo. In 1879 and 1880 he 
was a delegate to general conference. Mr. Riddle has filled 
good appointments, and had a very successful ministerial 
career. 

ST. Joseph's catholic church. 

Catholic services were held in Renovo from the very 
start of the town. At first these services were held in 
temporary buildings, but later a handsome chapel and a fine 
parochial residence was built. Father Igo took charge of 
the parish in 1878, and rapidly built up a large congrega- 
tion. A flourishing parochial school has been held in the 
town for a number of years. A lot was purchased on the 
corner of Huron avenue and Ninth street, upon which a 
eommodious and handsome church structure is now being 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 25 I 

erected. The following item, clipped from the Rcnovo 
Record of Au^^ust 19th, 1892, speaks as follows concerning 
the laying of the corner stone of the new church: 

Sunday was a day of unusual interest to the Catholic 
people of this place. As per arrangement it was the occa- 
sion for laying the corner stone of the new St. Joseph's 
Catholic church, located on the corner of Huron avenue and 
Ninth street. 

There were a great many strangers here from Lock 
Haven, Williamsport, Driftwood, Emporium, St. Marys and 
other points along the line of the P. & E. railroad to witness 
the ceremonies. A special train, consisting of eleven cars, 
and containing upwards of 350 people, arrived here at 12:10 
p. m. 

At 1:30 p. m., a procession, composed of the different 
Catholic societies in town, was formed as follows: 

Chief marshal, Frank Harvey; Michael A. Toland, bearer 
of the American flag; James McNamara. bearer of the 
Irish flag; first division marshals, D. J. Connor and David 
Russell; Marks' Military band; 106 school girls dressed in 
white; seventy -six school boys in charge of P. H. Mulvi- 
hill and A. J. Rooney; St. Joseph's Temperance society, 
sixty-five members in regalia; second division marshals, 
John W. Russell, Joseph Lynch, Jr.; Citizens' Cornet band; 
F. M. C. T. A. society, sixty members wearing white 
badges, Michael Cleary, captain ; Patrick Nevens, bearer of 
society's banner; members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, 
and carriages containing citizens. 

The procession paraded the principal streets of the town, 
and then marched to the new church, where it was received 
by Right Rev. Bishop McGovern, of Harrisburg, and his 
assistants. Rev. Fathers Gormleyand McCarthy, of Renovo, 
Maher, of Ridgway, Burke and Christ, of Lock Haven. 
Adams, of P^mporium, Benton, of Steelton, and Messrs. 
Roken, of Philadelphia, and W. ¥. Dwyer. 

The ceremonies of laying the corner stone were imme- 
diately begun by the bishop, by reading appropriate prayers 



252 PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

for such occasions. The cross in the centre of the main 
altar was blessed, followed by the choir singing a fine selec- 
tion. The bishop then proceeded to spread the mortar and 
lay the corner stone. At the conclusion, the stone was 
blessed, and the bishop, accompanied by the priests, pro- 
ceeded around the foundation and offered up their blessings. 

A tin box was placed in the corner stone containing, says 
the News, the names of the reigning pontiff, Leo XIII; 
also the names of the archbishop, right reverend bishop of 
the diocese, the pastor and assistant pastor of St. Joseph's 
church, and the attending priests, president of the United 
States, governor of Pennsylvania, the chief burgess of 
Renovo, principal officials of the United States, and also 
members of the congregation who have paid their assess- 
ments for the church in full to this date, principal coins of 
the United States for 1892, medals, copies of the Renovo 
newspapers, and papers of the county and state of. last 
week. 

This was followed by eloquent addresses by Rev. Father 
Burke, of Lock Haven, and Bishop McGovern, upon the 
progress of the Catholic church and her institutions in 
America. The congregation at this place was congratulated 
for the steps which had been taken to erect a new church, 
one which would ever be a monument of their thrift, in- 
dustry and Catholicity. 

St. Joseph's church choir furnished the music; Mr. J. D. 
Ubil, director ; Professor Charles Hagan, organist. The 
music was of a high character and finely rendered. 

During the morning service 150 children presented them- 
selves for confirmation. 

Note — We endeavored to secure a complete history of 
St. Joseph's Catholic church, but owing to various causes 
were unsuccessful. 

RENOVO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The public schools of Renovo were established in 1S64. 
At that time there was but one small school house in what 
is now the town of Renovo, and the schools were held in 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 253 

temporary places. The first building erected for school 
purposes in the town was built in 1868. It was a two-story 
brick building-, on the corner of Ontario avenue and Seventh 
street. This building contained four rooms. 

In 1873 the Fourteenth street building was erected at a 
cost of ^15,000. This building contains six well lighted and 
ventilated school rooms, neatly and well furnished with the 
most modern school appliances. 

In 1883 the Seventh street school house was torn down, 
and a large eight-roomed brick structure erected in its place. 
This building was erected at a cost of ^14,000. 

Among the prominent teachers of the Renovo schools 
previous to 1S75 were: S. Miller McCormick, Martin W. 
Herr, J. S. Kupp,- H. S. Edson, C. S. Webner, who was 
principal from 1872 to 1874, and A. M. Snyder. 

In 1875 Professor J. S. Reed, a former county superin- 
tendent of Lycoming county, was made principal, and A, 
W. Brungard, the present district attorney, was chosen 
teacher of the first grammar school. Later Professor Rank 
had charge of the Renovo schools. He resigned in March, 
1889, and was succeeded by Professor C. B. Kelley, the 
present principal. 

The names of the present teachers and the grades they 
are teaching are as follows: Charles B. Kelley, superintend- 
ent of schools; Isabella M. Dieffenbach, assistant principal; 
Maud L. Sanders, Seventh street grammar school; Anna 
D. Stouffer, Seventh street intermediate; Myrtle A. Ken- 
dig, Seventh street A secondary; Josie M. Jones, Seventh 
street B secondary; Cora B. Bressler, Seventh street A 
primary; Mary A. Lafferty, Seventh street B primary; 
Teressa R. Dieffenbach, Fourteenth street grammar school; 
Mary A, Hall, Fourteenth street intermediate; Agnes S. 
Nicholas, Fourteenth street secondary; Tressa G. Hand 
Fourteenth street A primary; Agnes L. Marr, Fourteenth 
street B primary; Bridget Mulvihill, Drury's Run school 

The majority of the teachers in the Renovo schools are 
normal school graduates, and all but four have attended 



254 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

normal schools. The Misses Hall, Stauffer, Marr, Nicholas, 
Jones and Dieffenbach are all graduates of the Central State 
Normal school of Lock Haven, Pa. Renovo's teachers are 
an intelligent body, and the Renovo schools are in a very 
flourishing condition. The people always use judgment in 
selecting men to act as directors, and everything has always 
been done that tends towards the elevation of the Renovo 
public schools. The present board of directors are as fol- 
lows: Thomas A. Roberts, president; Joseph R. Kendig, 
secretary; John W. Sheldon, treasurer; M. A. Houlahan, 
George Fox and Joseph P. Green. 

Professor C. B. Kelley, present principal of Renovo 
public schools, was born at Le Roy, Bradford county, Pa., 
in 1868. When but eight years of age his parents moved 
to Canton, Pa. Professor Kelley graduated from the Canton 
high school as validictorian of his class, and later graduated 
from the Mansfield State Normal school. After teaching a 
district school for one term, he was elected to a principal- 
ship in Sullivan county. Here he met with success, and 
after gaining quite a reputation as a teacher, he secured a 
position as supervisory principal of the Renovo schools in 
the spring of 1889, being elected to fill a vacancy caused 
by the resignation of Professor Rank. His work was satis- 
factory to the board of education, and he was elected unan- 
imously in 1 89 1, and again in 1892. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The Renovo Record is an independent Democratic news- 
paper, established December 21st, 187 1, by John U. Shaffer, 
its present editor and proprietor, as a four-page, seven- 
column newspaper. It was enlarged in 1883 to an eight- 
column newspaper, which size has since been maintained. 
The office is well equipped with a Campbell power press 
and Gordon job press, the latest styles of job type, etc. 
The Record has always been a live, progressive newspaper, 
advocating progress and improvement. It has gained a 
large circulation, and is recognized as one of the best ad- 
vertising mediums in its locality. Mr. Shaffer, the editor, 




HON, JOHN U. SHAFFER, 



Editor Renovo Record. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 255 

was twice elected as member of the lower house at Harris- 
burg by the Democrats of the county, and made an accept- 
able representative to both parties. During his twenty 
years residence in Renovo, he held the position of clerk of 
council for thirteen consecutive years, and has always been 
prominently identified with the best interests of that thriv- 
ing borough. 

The first number of the Evenmg News, the only daily 
paper published in Renovo, was issued September 21st, 
1883. It was established by John P. Dwyer and the late 
James Reilley. It was begun as a five-column, four-page 
paper. The Nexvs, by its vigorous yet modest style, soon 
won the favor of the people of Renovo. 

The Evenmg Nezvs was started with the idea that what 
Renovo needed was not a political organ, but a paper that 
would present the local news, and it therefore declared in 
its salutatory that the "Evenmg News will take no political 
stand other than to battle for the right," a platform of polit- 
ical independence that has since dominated its course. 

The Nezvs for the first two years was printed on a Wash- 
ington hand press, but as the circulation increased this was 
abandoned, and a Campbell cylinder press superseded it. 

In October, 1884, the firm of Dwyer & Reilly was dis- 
solved, Mr. Dwyer purchasing his associate's interest and 
assuming the entire management of the paper. 

In September, 1889, the Republican Publishing company, 
of Williamsport, tendered Mr. Dwyer the editorial and busi- 
ness management of the Republican of that city. The 
position was accepted, and Mr. Dwyer, on leaving Renovo 
October 15th, left the Nezvs under the charge of P. A. 
Kinsley, who continued its management until the following 
December, when the Nezvs was sold by Mr. Dwyer to M. 
J. Dillon. The first paper under the new proprietorship 
was issued December 26th, 1889. In March, 1890, P. A. 
Kinsley returned to the News, and has since been associated 
with Mr. Dillon in the editorial management of the paper. 



256 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Mr. Dillon made a number of improvements in the plant, 
among which was its removal to larger quarters, and the in- 
troduction of steam power for running the presses. 

The News, which had for nearly seven years been pub- 
lished the same size at which it had commenced its mis- 
sion, was enlarged by M. Dillon to six columns June 
1st, 1890. In the spring of the following year the press, 
which had done service for upwards of five years, was re- 
placed with a new Hoe stop-cylinder press, a fine piece of 
printing machinery, which has a capacity of 1,500 papers 
per hour. A cutting, pasting and folding machine was also 
added at the same time. 

Owing to the constant extension of its equipments, the 
News, in November, 1891, went into commodious new quar- 
ters in a three-story brick building on Erie avenue, between 
Fourth and Fifth streets. The presses, boilers, engines, 
etc., occupy rooms on the ground floor; the business offices 
are on the second floor, and the editorial and composing 
rooms are on the third floor. These departments are heated 
by steam and lighted by electricity. 

The office is thoroughly equipped for doing general job 
printing. 

The weekly edition of the Clinton county News was es- 
tablished March 21st, 1888. It is an eight-page paper, in- 
dependent in politics. 



CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS. 



FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 

THE First National bank of Kenovo was started August 18th, 1887. 
It. is located on Erie avenue, between Third and Fourtli streets. 
The officers of the bank are as follows: President, James Murphy; 
cashier, W. B. Reilly; directors, James Murphy, Luke Binder, John 
Reilly, C. Grugan, John Ward, James O'Hagan, M. P. Murphy, W. C. 
Weaver and James A. Williamson. Capital, $50,000; surplus, $10,000. 

BANK OP RENOVO. 

The Bank of Renovo was started in March, 1884, by A. W. Cook. In 
May, 1885, Cook sold out to Patrick Kane and P. H. Ross. In 1886 the 
latter sold his interest to Mr. Kane, who is now the sole owner and pro- 
prietor of the Bank of Renovo. The institution is not incorporated, but 
is valued at $125,000. Patrick Kane is president, and John T. Kane, 
cashier. 

RENOVO BOROUGH WATER WORKS. 

Renovo procures its water supply from Petes' run, in the mountains 
at the south of the borough. The reservoir, which has a capacity of 
2,500,000 gallons, was built in 1873, The contract for the erection of 
the basin was awarded by council, July 21st. 1873, to Patrick Shelley 
and Prank Harvey, of Renovo. Work was commenced that month, and 
was completed in November of the same year. It was formally accepted 
by council for the borough on January 7th, 1874. The amount paid 
Shelley and Harvey for the work was $7,085.44. On July 21st, the 
council also awarded a contract to V. B. Scheid and H. T. Jarrett, of 
Lock Haven, for putting in the water pipes, plugs, etc. The size of pipe 
is as follows : From the reservoir to and across the river, ten inches ; on 
Erie avenue from Third to Ninth streets, six inches ; on cross streets, 
four inches. The amount paid Scheid and Jarrett was $39,273.53. In 
later years the pipe was extended on all the streets from Ninth to Seven- 
teenth. In October, 1891, a new ten-inch main was placed in on Huron 
avenue, at a cost of $5,000. In the summer of the same year, a new 
reservoir, with a capacity of 1,300,000 gallons was built on Petes' run, 
at a point one-quarter of a mile above the old reservoir, the object of 
which is to hold a reserve supply of water for emergencies. Water from 
this upper dam is conducted by troughs to the main basin. The im- 
provement was made at a cost of $1,200. The water is of the best quality 
coming from springs in mountain ravines. The revenue in water rents 
from patrons of the works is from $3,800 to $4,200 per year. Council 
now has under consideration plans for the reconstruction of the old res- 
ervoir, by erecting stone walls and grouting the bottom. 



258 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

ELECTRIC LIGHT, 

The Renovo Edison Light, Heat and Power company was incorporated 
November 29th, 1886. The company was formed for the purpose of fur- 
nishing electric light to the people of Renovo, but under its charter it 
also has the right to supply steam for heat and power purposes, in which 
business it has not, however, engaged. Capital, $20,000. 

Stockholders— Philip B. Shaw, Godfrey Hess, K. D. Weed, J. J. 
Crocker, J. C. Hill, John S. Gersting. of Williamsport, and James Mur- 
phy, of Renovo. President, Godfrey Hess; secretary, John S. Gersting. 

The general manager, who has charge of the station and local business 
of the company at Renovo, is James H. Sheddy. 

The station has two dynamos. The location of the plant is on Spruce 
street, between Huron and Ontario avenues. 

SOUTH RENOVO LAND COMPANY. 

The South Renovo Land company was formed in 1881 by John W. 
Smith, Charles McKee, P. H. Sullivan and James O'Hagan. Their ob- 
ject was the improvement of the village of South Renovo. They built 
the bridge across the river which was carried away by the June flood of 
1889. Under the management of the land company, the town of South 
Renovo has been greatly improved, and it is now an independent borough. 
Lots are being sold, and the town is being rapidly built up with neat and 
substantial dwellings. A new bridge was erected during the winter of 
1891 and 1892. The location of the new town is a favorable one, as it 
stands above high water mark. The present members of the company 
are as follows: Samuel Gustine Thompson, president; C. R. Wainright, 
Joseph Wainright, Charles S. Hinchman and James O'Hagan. 

PHILADELPHIA & ERIE FIRE BRIGADE OF THE RENOVO SHOPS. 

The Philadelphia & Erie Fire brigade was organized November 21st, 
1879, with the following charter officers: James R. Shuster, chief en- 
gineer; John B. Michael, assistant engineer; A. H. Corinth, secretary to 
chief engineer ; Samuel F. Dedier, foreman ; George R. McCrea, assistant 
foreman; John Spencer, engineer; S. B. Taylor, stoker; John Lynch, 
driver. 

The officers for 1892 are as follows: James R. Shuster, chief engineer; 
Samuel F. Dedier, assistant engineer ; M. Carrns, foreman; John E. 
Houlahan. assistant foreman; Joseph A. Wilmer, engineer; P. J. Wil- 
mer, stoker; John Lynch, driver; John E. Houlahan, secretary to chief 
engineer. 

The Philadelphia & Erie Fire brigade meets every Saturday afternoon, 
between the hours of 3 and 5 o'clock, for practice. The alarm for practice 
is sounded by a whistle on the boiler room of the machine shop at 3 
o'clock. All members are compelled to respond, and are put through a 
drill for two hours. The number of members of the brigade is limited 
to twenty. As soon as one drops out another is .elected to fill the 
vacancy. There are eight officers and twelve men for duty, and they are 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 259 

arranged as follows: Four pipemen, four linemen and four men for hy- 
drants. The Philadelphia & Erie Fire brigade, although intended for 
the protection of the railroad company's property, is allowed to attend 
fires in the town or in any otlicr {)lace in case of need, and is frequently 
called upon to go to wrecks where fire has broken out. They are 
equipped with a handsome new La Prance stuam fire engine, which was 
purchased at a cost of $4,500, two hose carriages and 3,000 feet of the 
finest quality of cotton hose. 

WEST BRANCH HOSE COMPANY, NO. 2. 

West Branch Hose company. No. 2, was organized May 12th, 1873, 
with the following officers: R. M. Messimer, chief engineer and presi- 
dent; E. P. Dowling, secretary; W. H. Messinger, foreman; M. F, 
Neylon, ftrst assistant foreman ; Michael Cleary, second assistant foreman. 

The present officers of the company are as follows : John Hagan, chief 
engineer; M. A. Houlahan, president; J. T. Hagan, ,Yice president ; H. 
W. Green, secretary; E. P. Dowling, treasurer; M. ix. Houlahan, John 
Hagan and G. H. Felmilee, trustees; H. Bodley, foreman; Charles 
Hagan, first assistant; James Kepler, second assistant. 

The West Branch Hose company was organized with fourteen mem- 
bers, hence could not elect a complete list of officers at their organization 
The company now has an active membership of forty-five. Owing to the 
number of members and the completeness of their equipment, the West 
Branch is always in condition for actual services. This organization 
meets the first and third Tuesdays, of each month, in their parlors on Fifth 
street. 

RENOVO JEWEL LODGE, NO. 249, I. O. G. T. 

This lodge was organized January 23d, 1867, with the following charter 
officers: Chief templar, W. K, Crites; vice templar, Elsie Richarts, 
chaplain, J. Y. Rothrock; secretary, U. S. N. Crouse; assistant secre- 
tary, W. B. Crawford; financial secretary, C. B. Ashcom; treasurer, Dr. 
J. P. Ashcom; marshal, P. C. Moyer; deputy marshal, Jennie Cauff- 
raan; I. G., Mary Moyer; 0. G., J. D. Curamings; R, H. S,, Joseph 
Fessler; L. H. S., Mollie Crouse; P. C. T., G. W. Givin. 

The present officers are: Chief templar, George Boyer; vice templar, 
Clara Kepler; secretary, C. E. Bricker; assistant secretary, Annie D, 
Stoufler; financial secretary, Frank Trump; treasurer, G. F. Living- 
stone; chaplain, J. F, Rimer; marshal, George Weight; deputy marshal, 
Lillie ShoU ; guard, Ella Good ; sentinel, Harry Sapp ; past chief templar, 
Levi Musser; lodge deputy, W. J. Nicholas. Lodge meets every Thurs- 
day evening in Spangler's hall, corner Huron avenue and Sixth street. 
Present membership, 147. 

PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD CASTLE, KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 

Pennsylvania Railroad castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was 
organized at Renovo Tuesday evening, March 15th, 1892, with thirty- 
five members and the following charter officers: H. H. Rockwell, P. C; 
Prank Bodley, N. C; Charles Spotts, V. C; J. F. Rimer, H. P.; H. L. 



260 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, 

Shaffer, M. of R.; A. F. Spangler, S. H.; Svante Johnson, K. of E.; 
trustees, A. L, Kepler, William Gilliland and T, C. Livingston; medical 
examiner, Dr. 0. H. Rosser. The castle rceets every Tuesday evening 
in the G. A. R. hall. 

DIVISION NO. 1, A. O. H. 

Division No. 1, A. 0. H., of Clinton county, was organized at Renovo, 
April 12th, 1888, with the following named persons as charter officers: 
P. D. Shelan, C, D. ; M. A. Houlahan, president; Patrick Nevius, vice 
president; John Hayes, recording secretary; William Duffy, financial 
secretary; Thomas Flynn, treasurer. 

The present officers are : James Smyth, C. D. ; M. A. Houlahan, pres- 
ident; Thomas McLaughlin, vice president; James Connors, recording 
secretary; John Hayes, financial secretary; John Bailey, treasurer. 

The A. O. H. meets every Tuesday evening in Murphy's hall, on Fourth 
street, where they have fitted up rooms at a cost of several hundred 
dollars. Their roOins are kept open every evening for the members. The 
A. 0. H. has greatly flourished ever since its organization. It was in- 
stituted with but twelve members, and now has eighty four members in 
good standing. 

F. M. C. T. A. B. SOCIETY. 

Father Matthew Catholic Total Abstinence Benevolent society was 
organized August 17th, 1885, with the following charter officers: 
Spiritual director, Rev. James Igo ; president, John E. Houlahan ; re- 
cording secretary, John W. Russell; treasurer, Frank Dwyer; financial 
secretary, Charles B. Feist. 

The present officers are as follows: Spiritual director, R. J. J. Gormley; 
president, John E. Houlahan; vice president, Michael Cleary; treasurer, 
P. H. Mulvihill; recording and corresponding secretary, Charles B. Feist; 
financial secretary, John D. Farrell; trustees, Michael Cleary, Michael 
Lovett and Thomas Neagle; auditors, John W. Russell, Patrick Mc- 
Carthy and Michael Houlahan; board of investigation, Thomas J. Kinsley 
and Thomas Neagle; marshal, Michael Cleary. The objects of the 
society are: 

First — To promote temperance among all. 

Second — To edify by example and precept our luke-warm brethern in 
the practice of virtue and Christian life, and to inculcate and disseminate 
correct Catholic views regarding total abstinence principles. 

Third — To promote reconciliation and harmony among all. As this ob- 
ject is holy, and conformable to the wishes of our Redeemer, according 
to the rule He laid down for our guidance in the gospel, and as we know 
from our insufficiency that we can do nothing of ourselves: Therefore, 
that in the accomplishment of our mission we place all our trust in the 
grace of God and in the patronage of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, and 
seek for the rules of our conduct nowhere else but in the teachings of the 
Roman Catholic church, in the lives of the saints, and in a more particular 
manner in the example and precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 26 1 

Fourth— To be willing to undcilake any sort of charitable work pos- 
sible to the members of the society. 

Fiffh — To provide a fund for the jjayment of benefits to sick or dis- 
abled members, and for the burial of deceased members. 

The society meets every Sunday afternoon in the old Catholic church. 
Number of members on the roll at present, seventy-eight. 

BUCKTAIL POST, NO. 143, G. A. R. 

Bucktail Post, No, 143, G. A. R., was organized September 34th, 
1879. The charter officers were: F. M. Elliott, P. C; Z. M. P. Baird, 
S. V. C. ; J. F. Simpson, J. V. C; A. N. Stevenson. Q. M.; R. W. 
Flower, surgeon; Philip Stout, chaplain; John C. Brown, 0. D. ; H. C. 
Long, 0. G.; U. S. M. Grouse, adjutant; S. F. Deider, Q. M. sergeant; 
J. J. Billow, sergeant major. 

The officers elected in January, 1893, areas follows: Commander, R. 
N. Martin; senior V, C, D. L. Saunders; adjutant, J. R. Kendig; 
quartermaster, Robert W. Flower; sergeant, W. De Hass: captain, J. W. 
Long; officer of the guard, S. M. Barr, 

WASIIINGION CAMP, NO. 88, P. O. S. OK A. 

Washington camp. No. 88, P. 0. S. of A., was organized February 
21st, 1868. The charter officers were: R. M. Messimer, past president; 
George II. Hawksworth, president; S. 0. Malin, vice president; John M. 
Daugherty, M. of F. & C; E. L. MeCluen. secretary; John M. Young, 
assistant secretary; A. Dravenstadt, treasurer; J. R. Kendig, financial 
secretary, W. J. McCrea, conductor. 

The present officers are: Junior past president, E, C. Cummings; pres- 
ident, George F. Boyer; vice president, George W. Summerson; master 
of forms, John F. Bowers; I'ecording secretary, Theodore W. Nicholas; 
assistant recording secretary, Abram Crays; financial secretary, E. D. 
Walker; treasurer, R. D. Simpson; chaplain, Charles F. Newell; con- 
ductor, Harry B. Kelley; inspector, William O. Kaley; guard, Downs 
McCIoskey; right sentinel, Jotin W. Young; left sentinel; A. W. Salts- 
man; trustees, George W\ Corwin, Jacob G. Hall, E. D. Walker; dele- 
gates to state camp, John W. Lees and J, G, Hall; alternates, R. D. 
Simpson and T. W. Nicholas, This camp meets every Friday evening in 
Spangler's hall, corner of Huron avenue and Sixth street. Present mem- 
bership, 183. 

KENOVO LODGE, NO. 595, I. O. 0. F. 

Renovo lodge, No. 595, I. 0, O, F., was instituted December 24th, 
1866. The petitioners for the charter were: Thomas Dawson, C. T. 
Moore, H. Mover, J. P. Ashcom, N. L. Sterner, Peter Weber, W. J. 
Paisous, Albert Wergartz, Jacob Cottell and A. S. Crawford. The first 
officers were: ThoniMs Dawson, N. G.; P. C. Moyer, V, G.; C. T, Moore, 
secretary; N, L, Sterner, assistant secretary; J, P, Ashcom, treasurer. 

The present officers are: N, G,, W. M, Morton; V, G., A, D, Nelson, 
secretary, P. C. Moyer; assistant secretary, J, G. Ginter; treasurer, E, 



262 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

W. Etlinunds, Number of members at last report, March 28th, 1892, 
215. Lodge meets in Odd Fellows' hall, third floor, corner Sixth and 
St. Clair streets, on Monday evening of each week. The hall is owned 
by the lodge, built of bricli, three stories high, twenty-five feet front by 
seventy-five feet deep, and cost $7,500, including lot. 

DEXTER ENCAMPMENT, NO, 163, I. O. O. F. 

Dexter encampment. No. 163, I. 0. O. P., was instituted March 10th, 
1868. The petitioners for a charter were : C. T. Moore, P. C. Moyer, 
Williatii Barkla, J. P. Ashcom, N. L. Sterner, B. F. Rinnberger, D. J. 
Reese, J. R. Shuster, A. L. Dravenstadt, F. A. D. Hawksworth, A. H. 
Firwed and George' W. Givin. 

The first ofiicers were: Chief patriarch, P. C. Moyer; high priest, 
William Barkla; senior warden, N. L. Sterner; junior warden, B. F. 
Rumberger; scribe, C. T. Moore; treasurer, J. P. Ashcom. 

The present ofBcers are: Chief patriarch, A. D. Nelson; high priest, 
W. T. Crays; senior warden, J. G. Ginter; junior warden, Reese Hevner; 
scribe, P. C. Moyer; treasurer, R. M. Messimer. Number of members, 
March 8th, 1892, 138. Meets on second and fourth Tuesdays of each 
month in Odd Fellows' hall, third floor, corner Sixth and St. Clair 
streets. 

marks' military band. 

M. Doyle Marks, realizing that among the young men of Renovo there 
was good material for a juvenile band, suited action to the thought, and 
in February, 1888, organized the Renovo Juvenile band. Tlie first dif- 
ficulty encountered was procuring suitable instruments. The patient 
leader and his persevering followers finally succeeded in getting together 
the desired number of old instruments, which were resurrected from the 
cellars, garrets and dark closets of various musicians "of ye olden 
tymes." Their next effort was to secure a meeting place. Their finances 
were not strictly in "gilt-edged" condition; they could not afford a 
frescoed hall with walnut wainscoting and costly chandeliers, so they 
rented an apartment in Good's wagon shop, on the outskirts of the town, 
and here they began their practice. How much inspiration the boys re- 
ceived in this old room with its gloomy and dilapidated surroundings may 
easily be imagined, but the boys forgot their unpleasant room, and 
learned to suit themselves to discouraging circumstances. They prac- 
ticed night after night, never heeding the unkind remarks of those who 
foretold the early doom of the organization, and soon the people began 
to realize that the Juveniles had started the band as a useful and perma- 
nent institution. Then it was that a number of public-spirited men 
started a subscription list to assure tliem financially, and over $100 
was willingly subscribed. During the subsecpient years of the organiza- 
tion's existence, the people have accorded it the support which is so much 
deserved. These boys labored on, overcoming every obstacle, and built 
up an organization that stands to-day prepared to fight its own battles. 
Mrs. William Youtz fitted up a large room in the brick building m the 




M, DOYLE MARKS, 



Organizer and Leader of Marks' Military Band, Renovo. Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 263 

rear of her elegant home on Huron avenue, and there the Juvenile band 
established their headcjuarters. They have, beyond doubt, the finest fur- 
nished band room in the state, handsomely papered, jiainted, carpeted, 
and furnished with every known convenience and contrivance necessary 
to successful and systematic practice. Since their organization they have 
favored the people of Renovo with an annual concert each year in April. 
The concerts have always been successful. At one concert $275 was 
cleared. The Juveniles have taken several trips, remaining away for a 
week at a time. They have also furnished music on numerous occasions 
for different secret societies at the state meetings. In July, 1891, they 
gave concerts at Irvoua, Altoona, Bell wood and Tyrone, and were re- 
ceived right royally at each place. The following persons constitute the 
band: M. Doyle Marks, C. E. Ross, Don Kline, Frank Ilarter, Al. Good, 
William Seel, Wilfred Kendig, Willard Curts, Howard Spangler, James 
Russell, Glenn Koehler, Charles McDonald, Charles Youtz, Joseph 
Powers, William Youtz, Harry Taylor, Roll Irvin, Joseph Lynch, Clyde 
Gilliland, Park Espenschade, John O'Laughlin, Willie Leslie, Charles 
Marks, Bert Washburn, Ben Gunzberg, Fred Durell and Ray Swartz. 
The instruments used by the band are of the Distia make, and cost 
$1,400. The handsome uniforms cost $600, and the band room equip- 
ments are valued at $150. All this the boys have made by hard work. 
The band has been molded after Mr. Marks' own ideas, and he certainly 
deserves great praise for its high standing. A short time ago the boys 
honored him by changing the name of the organization to Marks' Mili- 
tary band. In concluding this sketch the highest compliment that can 
be paid to the band is to say that it is supported by the best people of 
Renovo, and that its reputation is not confined to Renovo, but has gone 
forth to all parts of the old Keystone state. 

M. Doyle Marks, leader and organizer of Marks' Military band, was 
born in Altocna, Pa., in 1867, and when he was four years old his 
parents removed to Renovo. He entered the public schools two years 
later, continuing his studies until 1883, when he secured a position with 
the P. & E. raih'oad company in this place. In 1886 he attended Clark's 
Business college in Erie, completing one term, and on his return to 
Renovo resumed emf)loyment with the railroad company, and was for 
several years clerk in the motive power department. 

Mr. Marks possesses a natural faculty for music, and his taste and 
talents in that direction have been developed under competent instructors. 
His ability is not confined to one or two instruments, but is so varied 
that he can play, and play well, on many instruments. Mr. Marks was 
the organizer of the Pennsylvania Band Tournament association, and has 
been twice elected its president. 

In the fall of 1891 Marks & Kelley started the Montoursville Echo, a 
weekly paper published at Montoursville, Lycoming county. Pa. Mr. 
Kelley soon withdrew from the firm, and M. Doyle Marks became sole 
proprietor and publisher of the said paper, which, by his industry and en- 
terprise, has risen to an important position among the newspapers of Ly- 
coming county. 



264 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LOCOMOTIVE AND CAR WOKKS. 

The great locomotive and car works of the Philadelpliia & Erie division 
of the Pennsylvania railroad at Eenovo may aplly be termed the heart of 
the town; its existence is dependent upon their maintenance, and were 
they to cease operations, the death of the town would inevitably ensue. 
Carrying the simile further it might be said that the heart makes monthly 
pulsations in wages, which, if not as life-sustaining as the blood in the 
human arteries, is capable of purchasing that which creates the blood. 
In these monthly pulsations from $60,000 to $75,000 are sent forth to 
the community to promote the welfare of the town and its inhabitants. 

The railroad shops and appurtenant buildings at Renovo cover an 
area of about ten acres on the north side of the railroad tracks or yard, 
or opposite the town proper, and these shop buildings comprise a brick 
engine house, brick blacksmith and forge shop, brick machine shop, 
brick boiler shop, brick engine room and electric liglit station, brick 
foundry, frame paint shop, frame cabinet shop, frame shop for the stor- 
age and mixing of paints, and brick passenger and freight car shop and 
planing mill, brick supply house, and brick olhce building. The few 
buildings constructed of frame will be superseded during the summer of 
1892 by a brick structure covering an area of one acre, which, when 
completed, will be devoted to the purposes lor which the frame buildings 
are now used. 

The engine house, mentioned in ihe foregoing, is semi-circular, of 
about 180 feet radius, has a capacity for the housing of twenty-two loco- 
motives, and was constructed in 1864, being one of the original buildings 
of the plant. Its purposes are not allied to the other works, and can 
readily be disassociated from them, as no construction work is in progress 
in this building. The force emjjloyed consists of fifty men— hostlers, 
wipers, and inspectors of the locomotives. Mr. Charles D. McCarthy, one 
of the most expert mechanics in the works, is in charge of this depart- 
ment. 

The blacksmith shop is also one of the original shoj) buildings, having 
been erected in 1864, is about 100 feet square, and in this building is 
forged all iron used in the construction of a locomotive or a freight or 
passenger car, from the smallest eyebolt to the heavy frame forgings and 
axles used in the building of locomotives. The shop contains about 
forty forges and several ponderous steam hammers for doing the heavier 
work. A peculiarity of this shop, as compared with other raih-oad 
blacksmith shops throughout the United States, is the large number of 
appliances, or" formers," as they are technically called, for shaping iron 
into a desired form at one blow. These devices are the invention of the 
foreman of the shop, Mr. John Green, who has achieved great reputation 
from his ingenuity in this regard. About 150 men are employed in 
this department. 

The machine shop, wiiich is about 100 feet by 200 feet in size, is 
another of the original buildings erected in 1864, and it is devoted to the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 265 

purposes indicated l)y its name. It is divided into two departments, 
separated by a longitudinal aisle or passage way; the one side, into which 
tracks are run from a traverse table adjoining the west side of the shop, 
contiguous to the blacksmith shop, having a capacity of six locomotives, 
which number may be repaired or built new at one time ; on the other, 
or east side of the shop, are situated numerous lathes, boring machines, 
and drill presses, upoTi which the material used in the construction of 
engines, such as cylinderr, driving rods, tires, etc., are dressed, and this 
work necessarily must be exact to secure good results. This shop has 
for several years been under the able charge of Mr. Charles H. Potts, 
and about 200 men are employed in and about it. 

Adjoining the machine shop on the north is the boiler shop, erected in 
1869, a portion of which is used as a tin shop and plumbing room. In 
these two departments locomotive boilers, ash pans, and kindled articles 
are made or repaired; and every desciii)tion of tin and plumbing work in 
connection with a railroad is turned out. The two departments employ 
about seventy- five men. The boiler shop is presided over by Mr. Joseph 
P. Green, and the tin shop and plumbing sho|) is in charge of Mr. R. D. 
Simpson, and the competency of both for their respective positions is 
attested by long incumbency. 

In a wing of the machine shop is located the large engine which drives 
the multiplicity of machines in the machine and boUer shops, the power 
being furnished by a 200 horse-power boiler ; and here also are located 
the electric light boilers and dynamos, which supply the several shops 
with electric light, the present j^lant being of fifty arc lamp capacity, 
each lamp being of 2,000 candle-power. This department is naturally 
allied to and subordinate to the officials of the machine shop. 

The foundry, one of the original 1864 buildings, is about 80 by 120 
fiet in size, and in it are moulded cast articles of every description, 
brass and iron, that constitute the equipment of a railroad. Every ap- 
pliance for rapid, economical and efficient work of this character is sup- 
plied: and as this foundry and that at Altoona are the only two on the 
vast Pennsylvania railroad system, the product of this shop is supplied to 
many places, the home consumption being scarcely one-half the amount 
of work turned out. The department is under the jurisdiction of Mr. 
William H. Nicholas, who was its first foreman, his term of service hav- 
ing commenced with the erection of the shop in 1864. About seventy- 
five moulders and laborers are employed. 

The freight car sliop, passenger car shop and jilaning mill are under 
one roof in a building, erected in 1880, with dimensions 80 by 240 
feet, with a wing 60 feet square. Adjoining the building is the lumber 
yard, with a large stock of every kind and size of lumber serviceable for 
railroad purposes, and from this yard the material in its rough state is 
taken to the planing mill and cut and dressed upon numerous machines 
to serve a use in either passenger or freight cars ; thence the partly finished 
material is taken to one of the other .^hops, and in the hands of skilled 
and experienced mechanics it soon becomes the component part of the 
18 



266 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

elegant and convenient passenger coaclies used on the Pennsylvania rail- 
road, or of the strong and stable freight cars for carrying heavy traffic. 
In erecting cars the product of the foundry, machine and blacksmith shops 
is, of course, largely used. To one unaccustomed to the work the facility 
with which a freight car may be built in these works is astonishing; the 
rough wood and miscellaneous pieces of iron of to-day will be a complete 
box car, without paint, to-moiTOw, and on the following day the car will 
be ready for traffic. The work on passenger cars being more elaborate, 
more time is consumed; but in this department, as in every other, celer- 
ity is the watchword. These departments have for twenty years been in 
the able charge of Mr, Robert M3Iessimer, who has been most competently 
assisted by Mr. James R. Shuster. Affiliated with the department is the 
cabinet shop, or glue room in which the finest kind of joiner work is 
performed. About 300 men are employed, this being the largest single 
department of the works. 

The paint shop is now in a frame structure, shortly to be superseded 
by the substantial and commodious brick structure now being built. In 
this shop all varnishing, painting, etc., of locomotives and cars are done. 
Mr. A. J. Weidler, an experienced painter, is in charge, having about 
forty men under his j^jrisdiction. 

In the pattern shop and supply room, which are in a building 80 by 
50 feet, are stored thousands of the most valuable patterns for making 
railroad castings, these patterns being of almost inestimable value, be- 
cause of the inconvenience of replacement, and all supplies, large and 
small, constituting the store of the shoi>s and the transportation depart- 
ment of the road. Mr. C. F. Newell is in charge of the pattern shop, 
and Mr. Joseph R. Kendig of the store department. 

The adjoining brick building, of more ornate architecture, is the office, 
in which are located the headquarters of the shops. Mr. William L. 
Holman, the master mechanic, who has supervision of all the shops, 
their work and the employes, having his office there. A large staff of 
clerks, assistants, etc., for accounting and time-keeping are also located 
in this building. In the second story are the offices of Mr, Thomas A. 
Roberts, the superinlendent, whose jurisdiction comprises not only all 
the extensive railroad interests at Renovo, including the shops, but also 
about 200 miles of railroad extending west from Renovo. 

In all nearly 1,000 men are employed in the railrcad shops at Renovo, 
constituting by far the largest industry in the county, and its men are 
an important element and factor in the county's affairs; and, in, addition 
more than 200 men resident in Renovo are afforded employment in the 
railroad service outside of the shops, such as trainmen, trackmen and 
those engaged in like pursuits. 



HOTELS OF RENOVO. 



WARD HOUSE. 

THE Ward house is a handsome brick structure, three-story high, 
built by John Ward, its present owner and proprietor, in 1887 and 
1888. The Ward house is located above Sixth street on Erie ave- 
nue, and has ample room for the accommodation of forty guests. A 
first-class bar and restaurant and commodious sample rooms belong to 
the house. 

RENOVO HOUSE. 

Tlie Renovo house was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad company in 
1869. It is a large brick building, 73x180 feet, three stories hi^h, and 
attached to the depot. The grounds around the hotel abound in choice 
trees and shrubbery. Captain W. 11. May, who had kept the Otzinachson, 
the first hotel and boarding house in town, was the first proprietor of the 
Renovo house. Its present landlord is A. Y. Jones, who took possession 
in January, 1893. 

REVEKE HOUSE. 

The Revere house, which is one of the oldest and best hotels in the 
town, is a large and commodious structure, located on the corner of 
Fourth street and St. Clair avenue. It was owned for sixteen years by 
John Gaudam, of Lock Haven, but is now owned by John Anderson, of 
Renovo. Its present landlord is Charles Spotts, who took possession of 
the house March 20th, 1887. The Revere house is well kept, and has 
suitable and ample room for the accommodation of fifty guests. 

BINDER HOUSE. 

Ihe Binder house was built by George Burgess, about twenty-three 
years ago, and has been used as a hotel ever since, li is a brick structure, 
located on Erie avenue, fourth door from the P. & E. passenger station. 
Its present proprietor is AtTolph Binder, who took charge of the place in 
1889. The Binder house has suitable accommodations for about twenty 
guests. 

EUROPEAN HOTEL. 

The European hotel was built in 1870. The building was first used by 
es-Sheriff D. M. May, as a store room, and he afterwards started the 
European hotel. The present proprietor is F. J. Seel, who took charge 
of the hotel March 20th, 1883. The European hotel is located on Erie 
avenue, three doors below the P. & E. passenger station, and contains 
suitable accommodations for about twenty guests. A first ciass bar and 
restaurant is run in connection with the place. 

m'mAHON HOUSE. 

The McMahon house is located on Erie avenue, between Third and 
Fourth streets, about one-half square from the P. & E. passenger station. 



268 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

This house was formerly kept by Fred McVicker, and later by Michael 
McMahon. Its present proprietor is E. H. Draucker. The McMahon 
house is kept in good style, centrally located, and has first class accom- 
modations for about twenty guests. Mr. Draucker has had charge of this 
house since June 8th, 1891. 

EAGLE HOTEL. 

The Eagle hotel is located on Erie avenue, about one square from the 
P. & B. station. It is one of the oldest hotels in the town. Its present 
proprietor is B. D. Legacy, who took charge of the Eagle January, 1886, 
The Eagle hotel has suitable accommodations for about twenty-five 
guests. 

CENTRAL HOUSE. 

The Central house was built by its present owner, Michael Blauch, in 
1885. and remodeled in 1889. It is a three-story frame structure, located 
on Erie avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets. The Central has ten 
bed-rooms and first-class accommodations for about twenty guests. A 
good bar and an excellent stable belongs to the house, and it is one of the 
best equipped hotels for its size in Clinton county. 

MOUNTAIN HOUSE. 

The Mountain house is located on Erie avenue, between Fifth and 
Sixth streets. It is the oldest hotel in Renovo, being built in 1864. Its 
present proprietor is Thomas Flynn, who took charge of the house in 
1880. The Mountain house has suitable accommodations for about 
twenty-four guests. 

ARCADE HOUSE. 

The Arcade house is located on Erie avenue, between Fifth and Sixth 
streets; was run for a number of years by Thomas Shannon. Its present 
proprietor is Michael Fitzgerald, who took charge of the place April 15th, 
1891. The Mountain house has suitable accommodations for from 
twenty-five to thirty guests. 

STOCKHOLM HOUSE. 

The Stockholm house is located on Seventh street, between Erie and 
Huron avenues; was built previous to 1875, The Stockholm house was 
run for a number of years by Charles Knutson, who died in 1883. Its 
present proprietor is August Swanson, who took charge of the place in 
1885. This house is well kept, and has excellent accommodations for 
about twenty guests. Mr. Swanson has the reputation of keeping one of 
the cleanest and quietest hotels in Renovo. 

GALLAGHER HOUSE. 

The Gallagher house was built in 1884, and was called the Clearfield 
house, until its present proprietor changed its name. This hotel was kept 
at one time by Philip Paul, who was afterwards shot by Cliarles Cleary. 
Its present landlord is James G. Gallagher, who took charge of the place 
December 23d, 1888. This house has accomodations for about twenty- 
five guests. The Gallagher house is located on Erie avenue, at the corner 
pt Thirteenth street, and is a well kept place. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 269 

WEST BRANCH HOTEL. 

The West Branch hotel is located on Erie avenue, between Sixteenth 
and Seventeenth streets. It is kept byNicodemus Smith, the oldest hotel 
man in Renovo. This house can accommodate twenty guests, and is 
kept in good style. 

EXCHANGE HOTEL. 

The Exchange hotel is located on the corner of Erie avenue and Fifth 
street. It is a large three-story frame building, erected by Prank Harvey, 
its present proprietor, in 1871 and 1872, and used by him as a hotel until 
1882, when it ceased to be a public house, until reopened by Mr. Harvey 
in the spring of 1892. This hotel is one of the largest in the town of 
Renovo, and affords suitable accommodations for about sixty persons; It 
is run in first-class style, and is becoming quite popular with the travel- 
ing public. 



PROFESSIONAL MEN OF RENOVO. 



D. J. REESE, M. D. 

DR. D. J. REESE was bom iu Berlin, Somerset county, Pa., March 
10th, 1839. His father was a Lutheran minister. At the age of 
twelve yeais he entered Lititz academy, where he spent two years. 
At the age of fourteen years he entered the drug store of his cousin, Mr. 
John Gepfcrt, of Maytown, Lancaster county, Pa., where he remained 
until he reached the age of sixteen years, when his father placed him 
under the care of Dr. S. S. Wiest, of Lancaster county, Pa., to study 
medicine. He attended his first course of medical lectures at the Penn- 
sylvania Medical college, of Philadelphia, in the fall and winter of 1857 
and 1858. Commenced the practice of medicine in the spring of 1858. 
In the fall of 1858 he moved to Ohio, where he married Miss Sarah E. 
Fisher, of Clayton, that state. From thence he moved to Michigan in 
the fall of 1859, where he practiced his profession until the commence- 
ment of the war, when he returned to Pennsylvania. Locating at Hyner, 
Clinton county, he has been a citizen of the county since. He attended 
his second course of lectures in the fall and winter of 1872 and 1873, 
graduating in 1873 from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. 
Returning to Renovo he has been in the practice since, with the excep- 
tion of seven months, when he was located in Shamokin, Northumber- 
land county, Pa. He is now the oldest resident physician of the town 
of Renovo. 



A. E. HEIMBACH, M. D. 
Dr. A. E. Heimbach was born in Berks county. Pa., February 20th, 
1863. His parents afterwards moved to Philadelphia, where he attended 
the public schools until 1880, when he entered the Keystone State Normal 
school, at Kutztown, Pa., and graduated from that institution in 1882. 
He followed teaching for seven years. He began the study of medicine 
in 1885, and entered Hahnemann Medical college, of Philadelphia, in 1887. 
After taking a three years' graded course in that institution, he graduated 
in 1890. After graduation he located for a time in Philadelphia. He next 
located in AUentown, where he practiced for ten months. He then came to 
Renovo, where he succeeded Dr. Van Fleet. Dr. Heimbach is a member 
of the Homoeopathic School of Medicine, and rapidly rising in his pro- 
fession. 

THOMAS P. ROACH, M. D. 
Thomas P. Roach, physician and surgeon, was born at Lock Haven, 
September 12th, 1863. He is a son of Captain William Roach, who 
moved to Renovo in 1878. The subject of this sketch began the study of 




ORRIN H. ROSSER, M. D. 

Renovo, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2/1 

telegraphy in Renovo in 1879, ami in 1881 went to Driftwood, where he 
took charge of the Philadelphia cS; Erie telegraph office; while here he 
began the study of medicine with Dr. S. 8. Smith. He continued to read 
medicine for eighteen months, when he went to Chicago, where ho 
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which institution 
he graduated in 1890. After his graduation he went to the State of 
Washington, where he passed an examination and was admitted to prac- 
tice medicine in that state. Not liking the country, he went back to 
Chicago, where he practiced his profe^sion for a time. He then went to 
Piitsburg, where his dijiloma was endorsed by the West Pennsylvania 
]\Iedical college; after which he located at Renovo, opening an office on 
the corner of Seventh street and Huron avenue, where he is now located. 
Dr. Roach is a very pleasant and courteous gentleman, who will some 
day hold a high position among the members of his profession. 



O. H. ROSSER, M. D. 
Dr. 0. H. Rosser was born in Lock Haven, March 6th. 1866. He is a 
son of 'Squire W. H. Rosser, of Mill Hall, Pa. Dr. Rosser attended the 
schools of Mill Hall until April, 1883, when he entered the Central State 
Normal school, of Lock Haven, from which institution he graduated in 
June, 1883. Prom 1884 until 1886 he assisted his father in the axe busi- 
ness, and during the next year worked in the carriage and wagon shops 
of G. S. Gfirth & Sons, at Mill Hall. In June, 1887, he began ihe study 
of medicine with Dr. W. J. Shoemaker. In the winter of the same year 
he entered the Medical and Surgical college, of Philadelphia, and gradu- 
ated from that institution April 10th, 1890. Dr. Rosser was married 
April 17th, 1890, to Miss Nettie E. Welsh, of Lock Haven. He first 
located at Vanderbilt, Fayette county. Pa., where he remained but one 
year. He then located in Renovo, where he is at present enjoying a good 
practice. 

W. C. WEYMOUTH, M. D. 
Dr. W. C. Weymouth was born near Bangor, Me., March 30th, 1854. 
His parents came to this state and located at Dunnstown in the fall of 
the same year. The family resided at Dunnstown until 1863, when they 
moved to Williamsport. Here the subject of this sketch attended the 
public schools for about eight years, then entered Davis' Commercial 
college, and graduated from that school in 1874. He then read medicine 
from 1875 to 1877, when he entered the University of Pennsylvania, and 
graduated from there in 1880. He first practiced in Williamsport as city 
physician, but came to Renovo within one year after his graduation, and 
has remained ever since. Dr. Weymouth was married to Mary Louise 
Hogan, of Renovo, November 2d, 1881. 



CHARLES L. FULLMER, M. D. 
Dr. Charles L. Fullmer was born at Montoursville, Lycoming county, 
Pa., May 20th, 1859. Dr. Fullmer's early education was received in the 
schools of Montoursville. In 1878 he entered Dickinson seminary, at 



2/2 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Williamsport, and graduated from there in 1880. After following the 
profession of teaching for about four years he began the study of medi- 
cine with Dr. McCormick, of Montoursville, Pa. In 1881 he entered 
Jefferson Medical college, in Philadelphia, and graduated from there 
April 1st, 1883. After receiving his diploma he located in Renovo. Dr. 
Fullmer was married to Clara P. Heed, of Montoursville, Pa., in June, 
1883. He has been the physician and surgeon for the PhiJHdelphia & 
Erie railroad company at Renovo since 1883. He received the Democratic 
nomination for coroner of Clinton cminty in August, 1891. and was 
elected to the office at the November election. 



GEORGE B. HALIy, M. D. 

Dr. Geo'ge B. Hall was born near Pleasantville, Bedford county, Pa.^ 
April 25th, 1867. Heisason of Dr.W. E. Hall, deceased, who was a resident 
physician of Renovo for many years. The Hall family moved from Bed- 
ford county to St. Marys, Elk county, in the spring of 1869, After re- 
maining there but a few months they moved to Renovo. Dr. Hall 
attended the public schools of Renovo, and graduated from the High 
school in 1881, and took a special course in the school in 1882. He then 
entered Lewisburg university, where he remained two years, after which he 
entered the office of his father and read medifine for two years. The next 
three years he spent at the University of Pennsylvania. After serving 
one year as yard clerk for the Philadelphia & Erie railroad company, at 
Renovo, he returned to the university and remained another year, grad- 
uating from there in March, 1891. Dr. Hall is at present the youngest 
physician in Renovo. His office is in the rear of the Dr. W. E. Hall 
estate, on Erie avenue. 

W. C. HOLLAHAN, ESQ. 
W. C. Hollahan, Esq., was born in Boalsburg, Pa. His early educa- 
tion was received in the public schools and at Boalsburg academy. He 
enlisted June 2d, 1862, in Company G, 148th Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, and served until December, 1865, when he was discharged as 
lieutenant. In 1866 he entered the Pennsylvania State college, and for a 
time had charge of the military department of that institution. He then 
read law with Hon. John Cesna, of Bedford, Pa., and in 1870 was ad- 
mitted to practice law in the courts of Bedford county. He came to Lock 
Haven in 1871 ; was a Republican candidate for district attorney of Clin- 
ton county against James Q. Deise, now deceased, and afterward against 
William Parsons, Jr. He was afterward an independent candidate for 
the Legislature against the regular nominees of both parties, and defeated 
by a very small majority. In the l^st congressional contest, although 
not a candidate, he received the complimentary vote of the Democratic 
County convention for Congress. Since 1889 Mr. Hollahan has been a 
resident of Renovo, where he follows the practice of his chosen profession. 



PROMINENT CITIZENS AND BUSINESS MEN. 



HON. JOHN UPTON SHAFFER. 

THE subject of this sketch was born at McConnellsburfj, Pa., 
March 27th, 1843. Upon arriving at the age of five years his 
parents moved to the western part of the state, leaving their son 
under the guardianship of an uncle bearing his name. Through his 
uncle's liberal means the lad received careful instruction through 
private instructors, and also in the public schools of the town. At the 
age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to the printing business, serv- 
ing the usual term of years. From a compositor he M-as promoted to the 
position of local reporter on the Fulton Republican, a position which he 
filled with distinction for one year. He then moved to Pittsburg, where 
he readily found employment as a compositor on one of the leading daily 
newspapers of that city. In February, 1862, be returned to his "native 
place, where he purchased one-half interest in the Democrat, forming a 
partnership with Hon. Henry G. Smith, who subsequently became an as- 
sociate editor of the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer, and a member of the 
constitutional convention, held in 1873. He shortly afterwards married 
Salinda, a daughter of William B. Shaffer, of the same county. In 1865 
Mr. Shaffer sold his interest in the Fulton Democrat, and accepted a 
position in the printing department of the New York World, which he 
held for nearly one year, when he returned to Pennsylvania and bought 
a half interest in two Democratic newspapers in the borough of Hanover 
—one English and one German. A difficulty having arisen between him- 
self and partner, he disposed of his interest in both newspapers and went 
to Baltimore, where he obtained a situation on the Daily Gazette, which 
he held for four years. In the fall of 1869, on account of failing health, 
he resigned his position to accept a similar one— local editor and business 
manager of the Clinton Republican, published at Lock Haven by Georo-e 
D. Bowman. After serving in that position for two years, his attention 
was drawn to the rapid growth of the new railroad town of Renovo, Pa., 
where he was induced by several of its prominent citizens to establish a 
weekly newspaper. On December 21st, 1871, he estabiished the Renovo 
Record, which has proved a business success. A few years later the 
newspaper was enlarged and improved, and soon became a power in 
moulding the political sentiment of the county. 

During Mr. Shaffer's residence of over twenty years in Renovo, he was 

elected clerk of the town council for thirteen consecutive years from 

1872 to 1885. In the latter year he became the regular Democratic nom- 
inee for member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, to which 
he was elected over A. J. Schuyler, Republican, by 515 majority. He 
was also opposed at the same election by Hon. Joseph W. Merrey, who 



2/4 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

represented the county in the same body in 1881, and ran as an inde- 
pendent candidate. During his term at Harrisburg, Mr. Shaffer intro- 
duced and had passed a bill appropriating $15,000 for the completion of 
the east wing of the Central Normal school building at Lock Haven, 
which had remained in an unfinished condition for over ten years. The 
lumberman's lien bill was also introduced by him during that session, 
and passed the House by a large majority, which brought him much 
prominence in the lumber districts of the state. He also took much in- 
terest in legislation calculated to advance the educational and industrial 
Interests of the state. After the adjournment of the Legislature, he was 
appointed by Speaker Boyer as a member of the Legislative State Commis- 
sion of lunacy and charities. He was the only Democratic representative 
in the House appointed on the commission, which was an especial mark 
of honor in the gentleman's legislative career. In 1889 he was renom- 
inated by the Democrats of Clinton county by an almost unanimous vote, 
and re-elected by a decisive majority over the Republican, Labor-Re- 
form and Prohibition candidates. During the winter of that year the 
Central Normal school building of Lock Haven took fire and burned to 
the ground, entailing a loss of over flOO.OOO, upon which the state had 
but 110,000 insurance At the assembling of the State Legislature that 
winter, Mr. Shaffer introduced an appropriation bill for $100,000 to re- 
build the burned institution. The committee on appropriations were at 
first reluctant to make an appropriation for the purpose of rebuilding, but 
after careful consideration agreed to report the bill to the House for 
$75,000. When the bill came up on second reading, Mr. Shaffer suc- 
ceeded in attaching an amendment increasing the amount to $85,000, 
which subsequently passed both Houses and became a law. During the 
same session several other important bills in the interest of lumbermen 
and other constituents became laws. Mr. Shaffer was perhaps one of the 
mosi successful legislators that ever represented Clinton county. He was 
always at his post, giving the duties of his position his entire time. 
During his legislative terms he served as a member on the committees on 
congressional and legislative apportionment, constitutional reform, re- 
trenchment and reform, printing, mines and mining, besides on a num- 
ber of special committees appointed by the speaker. During the last 
session of the Legislature, (1891,) he went to Harrisburg at the urgent 
solicitation of the officers of the Central Normal school at Lock Haven, to 
assist the member of his county in getting through that body a further 
appropriation for the use of said institution. During that session another 
bill was passed, giving $20,000 to the school. 

Mr. Shaffer has edited and published the Renovo Record for over 
twenty years. During his citizenship he has contributed much valuable 
service towards building up the town and making it what it is to-day- 
one of the most enterprising in the state. 




HON. GEORGE R. McCREfl, 
Renovo, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2/5 

HON. W. KIPP CHESNUTT. 

Hon. W. Kipp Chesnutt was born in Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., 
March 10th, 1845. His education was received in the public schools of 
Lewistown, which he attended about eight years. In 1859 he beaan 
learning the tailor trade with William L;nd, of Lewistown. He worked 
there about four years. Then he enlisted and served the latter part of the 
war with the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, receiving an honorable dis- 
charge after the grand review, at Washington, D, C. He returned to 
Lewistown, and remained until January, 1868, when he located in 
Renovo. Upon his arrival at Renovo he entered the merchant tailoring 
business, in which he is still engaged. In 187G he was elected justice of 
the peace, and held the position for ten years, being elected twice and 
appointed once during this time. In 1880 he was elected one of the as- 
sociate judges of Clinton county by the Republican party, and held the 
position until he liecame postmaster, May 5th, 1890. Judge Chesnutt 
was married December 27th, 1870, to Miss Ruth Muthersbough, of Lewis- 
town. His wife died March 22d, 1890, leaving her husband and two 
daughters to mourn her loss. He was married again June 8th, 1892, to 
Miss Carrie Newell, of Punxsutawney, Pa. Judge Chesnutt is not only 
a popular man, but a useful one. Politically he is an ardent Republican, 
and a leader in his party. 



HON. GEORGE R. McCREA. 

Hon. George R, McCrea was born at Holidaysburg, Blair county, Pa., 
February 14th, 1849. The family afterwards moved to Altoona. Mr. 
McCrea attended the public schools, and graduated at the High school. 
In 1803 he became an apprentice in the Baldwin locomotive works, where 
he remained four years, learning the moulding trade. In 1867 he came 
to Renovo, where he remained for five years. He then went to Pitts- 
burg, and afterwards to Canada, returning to Renovo, and locating per- 
manently in 1878. He worked for a time in the car shops, but in a short 
time entered the mercantile business, in which he is still engaged. He 
also went into the oil business at Tiona, Warren county. Pa., in 1888, 
and is yet interested in the business. Politically Judge McCrea has 
always been a Republican. He was elected a member of Renovo council 
in 1880, and served for three years. The Renovo Record of April 10th, 
1884, speaks of Mr. McCrea as follows: 

"Mr. McCrea went into council at the urgent solicitations of our sub- 
stantial taxpayers, to give the people a business administration of affairs, 
and he succeeded well. He hud no friends to reward, and no enemies to 
punish. He served two years as the chairman of the fire committee, and 
was a member of the finance and highway committees. Being clear- 
headed, quick to discriminate between right and wrong, and a ready de- 
bater, he assumed a leading position from the start, and maintained it 
throughout his term. As president he was conservative and indulgent, 
though a good parliamentarian. He was always able to handle business 



276 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

with dispatch, and to the great satisfaction of his constituents. His loss 
as a member will be generally regretted. But few men in Renovo are 
able to fill his place," 

He became a candidate for county treasurer against Wallace Gakle in 
1884, and was defeated by 234 majority. In 1887 he became a candidate 
for sheriff against D. M. May. and was defeated by a majority of 106. On 
May 7th, 1890, he was appointed associate judge of Clinton county by 
Governor James A. Beaver, to fill the unexpired terra of Judge W. K. 
Chesnutt, who had resigned. In the fall of 1890 he received the nomina- 
tion of his party for associate judge, but was once more defeated by a 
majority of 106; this time by Judge James W. Clark, the Democratic 
candidate. 

Judge McCrea is closely connected with the business interests of 
Renovo, and prominently connected with the different organizations of 
the town. He is a charter member of Washington camp. No. 88, P. 0. 
S. of A., a member of Renovo lodge, No. 595, Dexter encampment, and 
No. 163, I. 0. 0. F. lie is a charter member of Renovo lodge, No. 595, 
and past master of the order. He is a past high priest in Lafayette 
chapter. No. 163, Royal Arch Masons, and past commander in Hos- 
pitaller commandery. No. 46, Knights Templar. He is district deputy 
grand master for Clinton, Cameron and Elk counties; also a thirty-three 
degree member of Philadelphia consistory, A. & A. S., R. F. M., and a 
member of Lu Lu temple. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. 



JOHN GREEN. 

John Green, superintendent of the blacksmith department of the 
Renovo car shops, was born at Portsmouth, Va., May 10th, 1839. He 
Degan learning the blacksmith trade at the age of fourteen, serving an 
apprenticeship of six years. After learning his trade he went to the state 
of North Carolina, where he worked at making machinery for cotton 
mills until 1861. At the breaking out of the war he went to Raleigh, 
N, C, where he worked for a time in a Confederate locomotive shop. 
After working for a time in other places in the South, he ran the blockade, 
and went to Plymouth, N. C, where the Northern gun boats were 
stationed at the time. While there he gave the Union officers much 
valuable information that afterwards proved a benefit to the Union 
cause. From there he went to Fortress Monroe, where he was employed by 
the Federal government at making gun carriages. After leaving there he 
worked for a time at the Portsmouth navy yard, and afterwards at the 
Baltimore locomotive works. He was also employed for a time in the 
shops of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and at the Washington navy yard. 
Mr. Green was married on the day that Abraham Lincoln was elected to 
his second term, to Miss Mary Delcher, of Baltimore. From 1864 until 
the summer of 1866, Mr. Green worked in different parts of the South. 
In August, 1866, he went to Williamsport, and in the spring of 1867 he 



• PAST AND. PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 2']J 

went to Elinira, N. Y., where ho was employed for a time in the railroad 
shoi)s. In 18G8 he came to Renovo, and remained three months. At 
that time he made the frames for the first engine turned out of the 
Renovo car shops. The engine, 10G8, is still on the road. Mr. Green 
went from Renovo to Elmira, where he remained until the fall of 1809, 
when he again went to work for the Baltimore & Ohio road for one year. 
In August, 1870, he went to Altoona, where he was employed in the car 
shops. In July, 1873, he was promoted and sent to Sunbury to take 
charge of the Pennsylvania railroad company's blacksmith shops. He 
remained there but three months, when he was sent to Renovo to take 
his present position, Mr. Green is the father of nine children, three of 
whom are dead. Two of his children are married. Superintendent Green 
is quite a genius, and has succeeded in patenting many valuable and use- 
ful ai tides. He is the inventor of nine different patents, nearly all of 
which pertain to railroad cars. He is well liked by all his employes, and 
is one of Renovo's best citizens. 



FRANK HARVEY. 

Frank Harvey was born in Ireland, October 18th, 1845, and came to' 
the United States with his father in 1850. The family landed at Phila- 
delphia, and went direct to Alleglieny county, Maryland. Here the sub- 
ject of this sketch attended school until he reached his sixteenth year, 
when he went to work in the coal mines. From that place he came to 
Broad Top, Pa., wliere he worked in the mines, and on the Broad Top 
railroad until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the 
125th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Colonel Higgins. This 
company was organized by J. J. Lawrence, then superintendent of the 
Broad Top railroad. The regiment in which he served was mustered out 
of service, and Mi'. Harvey received his discharge at Camp Curtin in May, 
1863. All the old employes at Broad Top, who lived to come back, re- 
turned to Broad Top. and secured their old positions in the mines or on 
the railroad. When Colonel Lawrence became superintendent of the old 
Sunbury cS; Erie railroad, (now P. & E.,) Mr, Harvey came with him to 
Emporium, then the headquarters of that road, and secured a position as 
engineer of the Erie Express, then a night train, and held the position 
until December 30th, ISGQ, when he resigned. He then embarked in the 
mercantile business, starting a general store on Seventh street, Renovo. 
In 1870 he began the ei'ection of his Exchange block, located on the 
corner of Erie avenue and Fifth street. In 1873, when the Exchange 
block was completed, Mr. Harvey started the Exchange hotel, and suc- 
cessfully conducted the same until 1883. From 1883 until 1885 he fol- 
lowed railroad contracting with P. H. and Thonuis Kane, of Renovo. He 
was appointed Democratic postmaster of Renovo Noveml)er 13th, 1885, 
and held the position until the appointment of liis successor. Judge W. 
K. Chesnutt, in May, 1890. During the time he was in the postoffice, he 
started a general store in the Exchange block, with his son, John P. 
Harvey, as manager. The latter is at present manager of his father's 



278 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

general store in Johnsonburg. In 1873 Harvey & Shelly built the Renovo 
water works. In 1890 Mr. Harvey was a candidate for county treasurer, 
but feeling that the claims of several other candidates were stronger than 
his own, he withdrew, to await a more favorable opportunity. 



AUGUSTUS N. STEVENSON. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, 
Pa., June 14th, 1840. He received a liberal education through private 
instructors, and in the pubic schools of liis native town. He was the 
eldest son of Joseph S. and Margaret Stevenson, who were descendents 
of the first settlers of the county, where they became prominent in the 
agricultural and business interests of the West Branch valley. At an 
early age of life the subject of this sketch entered the merchandising es- 
tablishment of his father, where he served several years, gaining a gen- 
eral knowledge of the business. In the latter part of the year 1863 he 
obtained a position as baggage master on the old Catawissa railroad ; his 
run was between Williamsport and Tamaqua. During this period the 
Civil war was going on, when he, like many loyal spirits, resigned his po- 
sition to enter the army of flie Union. He became a member of Colonel 
John E. Wynkoop's Cavalry Rpgiment, which was assigned duty along 
the Potomac river. After serving the time of his enlistment, the regi- 
ment was discharged from service, when he entered a hardware store at 
Milton, Pa., where he served as a salesman for nearly two years, and ac- 
quired a thorough knowledge of the business. In the beginning of the 
spring of 18G8 the construction of the Low Grade division of the Alle- 
gheny Valley railroad, between Driftwood and Red Bank, was com- 
menced. Colonel G. A. Worth, of Elmira, N. Y., became contractor for 
the building of section 5 of said road at Mix Run, Cameron county. He 
employeil Mr. Stevenson as paymaster, book-keeper, &c., who established 
his headquarters at Mix Run. He remained there from March, 18G8, to 
November, 1869, when the section was completed. During that time 
Colonel Worth gave employment to several hundred men. In Jan- 
uary, 1869, Mr. Stevenson was married to Miss Margaret Camp- 
bell, of Milton, Pa. In 1870 he was employed as general manager of 
Martin & Worth's large supply stoi-e at Lawsonhara, Clarion county, Pa., 
which did a business of over $100,000 a year. Before finishing their con- 
tract at Lawsonham they received another to build several sections of 
road, with headquarters at Penfield, Pa , where another supply store was 
established. Mr. Stevenson was transferred as general manager, where 
he conducted their business until the contract was nearly completed. 

In 1873 he came to Renovo, and leased a small store room from John 
Collins, on Erie avenue, for the purpose of establishing a hardware busi- 
ness. At that time there was no business of the kind in Renovo, the 
character of all the stores being general merchandise. This business ven- 
ture prospered from the day it was o[)ened, and it soon become necessary 
to lease a larger room to meet the daily increasing wants of the hardware 




ft. N. STEVENSON, 
Renovo Clinton County , Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 279 

trade. In November, 1874, he leaser! the new store building, 24 by 50 
feet, erected during that year by John Mullins, on Erie avenue, below 
Sixth street. This room was comi)letely stocked with a general line of 
hardware, cutlery, paints, oils, glass, &c. The business continued to 
prosper, and in 1877 Mr. Stevenson purchased the property. As the 
years rolled on it became necessary for a still larger room to conduct his 
increasing business, and, in the spring of 1888, he built a fine two-story 
brick addition to the rear, making an extension of the room from 24 by 50 
feet to 24 by 90 feet; the completion of this addition gives him one of the 
finest and best arranged hardware stores on the line of the Piiiladelphia 
& Erie railroad, between IJarrisburg and Erie. This capacious room is 
now filled from one end to the other with a well selected stock, compris- 
ing everything from a Winchester rifle to a saddler's awl. The upper 
part of the building is beautifully arranged, and sumptuously furnished 
for dwelling purposes, and there Mr., Stevenson and his estimable wife 
reside, surrounded with all the comforts and conveniences that could be 
desired. The store and dwelling are heated by steam, with hot and cold 
water. The heating apparatus is one of the best in the town. During 
Mr. Stevenson's residence in Renovo he was elected one term as a mem- 
ber of the town council, over his Democratic competitor, by a handsome 
majority. The last year of his term he was chosen president of council, 
a position which he filled with credit to himself and honor to the town. 

Mr. Stevenson is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. In 
1873, while residing at Penfield, Pa., he became a member of Clearfield 
lodge, No. 314, F. & A. M. : of Renovo lodge, No. 495, in 1882; of La- 
fayette chapter, R. A. M., No. 163, in 18P3; of Hospitaller commandery, 
K. T., No. 46, at Lock Haven, Pa., in the same year; of Philadelphia 
consistory, S. P. R. S., in 1884, and of Lu Lu temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., 
in 1887. Mr. Stevenson was a charter member of Bucktail post. No. 142, 
G. A. R., organized in Renovo September 24th, 1879, at which time he 
was elected qiiartermaster — a position which he held for five successive 
years. He took an active interest in bringing into this organization 
many of the old soldiers of the Civil war. The post has a large member- 
ship, and continues in a flourishing condition. 



JAMES O'HAGAN. 

James O'llagan was born at Newry, Blair county, Pa., in 1850. At 
the age of ten years he became clerk in a store at Bedford, Bedford county, 
Pa. He held that position for three years, and then went to East Free- 
dom, Pa., where he followed clerking for sis years. In 1869 he came to 
Renovo and entered into the mercantile business with John Reiley, under 
the firm name of Reiley & O'Hagan. In 1871 he went into the mercantile 
business with his father, under the firm name of P. O'llagan & Son. P. 
O'Hagan died in May, 1861, but the firm name remains unchanged. In 
connection with the mercantile establishment of P. O'Hagan & Son, on 
Erie avenue, the firm has another general store on Eleventh street, and 



280 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

still another at North Bend. James O'Hagan is one of the heaviest prop- 
erty owners in the town of Renovo, and is prominently connected with 
other business interests of Clinton county. Mr. O'Hagan is a member of 
the South Renovo Land company, and, as an individual, has done much to 
boom the borough of South Renovo, He owns a number of properties in 
the said borough, among the number being two large brick blocks, 
which he erected for private dwellings. He is an ardent Democrat, and 
has held several positions in the town of Renovo, among the number 
being those of councilman and school director. 



R. M. GLENN. 

R. M, Glenn was born in Clarion county, Pa., February 9th, 1851. The 
family moved to Milesburg, Centre county, Pa., in 1853. In 1866 they 
moved to Renovo. After locating in Renovo, the subject of this sketch 
clerked for one year in the store of "Wells & Murphy; then entered the 
Renovo shops, being the first apprentice in the wood department. He 
served the usual apprenticeship of four years, and remained in the em- 
l)loyment of the P. & E. railroad company until 1873. when he went to 
Wilmington, Del., where he was employed in the car shops of Jackson & 
Shoop for one year. From there he went to Swissvale, Allegheny county, 
Pa., where he worked for the Allegheny Car and Transportation com- 
pany uniil February, 1876, when he returned to Renovo, and opened a 
grocery store on the corner of Erie avenue and Seventh street. He con- 
ducted business at that stand until he built the Red Front, on Erie 
avenue, where he is located at the present time. In 1887 Mr. Glenn was 
elected treasurer of Clinton county, serving one term. He was also a 
member of Renovo council for three years. R. M. Glenn is a prominent 
member of the Masonic fraternity, being a thirty-two degree member of 
the order. He was married February 9lh, 1871, to Sarah C. Hawks- 
worth, of Renovo. He is engaged in the grocery, flour and feed busi- 
ness, and the Red Front grocery under his supervision is one of the most 
flourishing business places of its kind in Renovo. 



M. L. CLAY. 

M. L. Clay was born at Gardner, Me., in 1839. His boyhood days were 
spent in the Pine Tree state. In 1853 he was sent to Boston to school, 
where he remained until 1859, when he came to Lock Haven, and entered 
the drug store cf Dr. E. L. Shultz, on Water street. He remained with 
Dr. Shultz four years; then went to Williamsport, and started in the 
drug business for himself. After a few years he sold out his store, and 
entered the planing mill business. After a short time he was burned 
out, losing every cent he possessed. He returned to Lock Haven in 1878, 
and entered the drug store of Dr. Prieson, where he remained until 1880. 
He then succeeded in securing suffioient means to once more embark in 
business for himself, which he did by purchasing the drug store of James 
Huston, located on Erie avenue, Renovo. Here he has continued in 




M. L. CLRY, 



Reno\o, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 28 1 

business up to the present time, Mr, Clay was married in 18G2 to a 
daughter of Levi Livingstone, of Lock Haven, They have two children, 
one son and one daugi-.ter, both married, with children of their own, Mr. 
Clay lias been in the drug business for thirty-seven years. He now con- 
ducts one of the leading drug and stationery stores in the town of Renovo, 
Although he started twice in life without a dollar, he is now owner of his 
store and residence, and on the sure road to financial success. 



E. T. SWAIN. 

E. T, Swain was born at Lcwistown, Pa., in 1839, He remained in 
Lewistown until the war broke out. He then entered the army as an 
noncommissioned otTlcer. In the spring of 1863 he was appointed second 
lieutenant of Company K, 49th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
in the fall of the same year became first lieutenant of the same company. 
The regiment to wiiich he belonged was consolidated into four companies, 
A, B, C, D, and he was appointed first lieutenant of Company B, In 
the spring of 1864 he whs appointed captain of Company H, a new com- 
pany organized to fill up the regiment. He held the latter position until 
October, 1864, At the close of his soldier life Mr. Swain returned to 
Lewistown, where he remained a few months, and in April, 1865, located 
at Renovo, where he has remained ever since. He now conducts the old- 
est drug store in the town. It is located on Erie avenue, in the Swain 
block. The store room was erected in 1869, and, as business increased, 
additions were made to the rear of the structure, until it now reaches 
from street to alley, a distance of 130 feet. It is the oldest block built 
for business purposes in the town. 

Mr. Swain deals largely in real estate, and is to-day one of the leading 
real estate owners in the town. Besides the business block before men- 
tioned, he owns another block used for business purposes, and eight 
dwellings in different parts of the town. He was first married in 1863 
to Annie Davis, of McVeytown, Mifflin county, Pa, This wife died in 
1865, and in 1882 he married Mrs, Crewett, of Pluntingdon, Pa. With 
the exception of four years he has conducted his extensive business in the 
same room. He has held the position of councilman for four terms, at 
different times, and has always been a leading citizen of Renovo. 



JOHN E. HOULAHAN. 

John E. Houlahan, i)resent chief burgess of Renovo, was born and ed- 
ucated in Lock Haven. In 1880 he entered the machine shops of the 
P. & E. railroad at Renovo, and remained there until he had completed 
his trade. He was then appointed shipping clerk for the railroad com- 
pany; a position he has held for the past eight years. 

In February, 1892, he was elected by the Democratic party chief bur- 
gess of Renovo, 

Mr. Houlahan is a prominent member of the P. & E. Fire brigade, and 
secretary to J, R, Shuster, the chief engineer. He is a charter member 

19 



282 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

of the Father Matthew C. T. A. B. society, and a strong advocate of 
temperance. He has been manager of the Renovo base ball club for sev- 
eral years, and, under his management, the said club has won a reputa- 
tion of which it may well feel proud. 

In politics he is an uncompromising Democrat, and for the past ten 
years he has been a prominent worker in the ranks of his party. He has 
repeatedly represented his district at the county conventions, and has 
held various positions in his ward. 

Mr. Houlahan has been a total abstainer from youth, and it may be 
truthfully said of him that he has never touched, tasted or handled in- 
toxicating liquors. He has been three times elected president of the 
F. M. C. T. A. B. society, and has always been one of its most active work- 
ers. He has been closely identified with the temperance interests of 
Renovo for the last ten years, and his work in this line has resulted in 
much good. 

PATRICK H. MULVIHILL. 
Patrick H. Mulvihill was born April 20th, 1860, in Clare, Ireland. He 
was brought to America by his parents when an infant. The family 
settled at Youngwomanstown, (now North Bend) this county, in the 
summer of 1863, and removed to Renovo in 1865. He was educated in 
the public schools of Renovo, graduating from the Renovo High school 
Ai)ril 18th, 1873, standing first in its several classes. He entered the 
service of the Pennsylvania railroad company October 1st, 1873, and 
has been employed by that company since in clerical capacities, except 
for an interval of about a year and a half in 1888 and 1889, which was 
spent in the Lake Superior country. Mr. P. H, Mulvihill is engaged as 
chief clerk of the Middle division of the Pennsylvania railroad, with head- 
quarters at Renovo. He was elected school director in Renovo in the 
spring of 1882, being the youngest person ever elected to that position in 
the town. He served three years, and was re-elected in 1885, but resigned 
before the completion of the term of office on account of pressure of busi- 
ness. He has never held any other political office. He is a prominent 
member of the Father Matthew C. T. A. B. society, and at present its 
trei surer. 



J. H. KEPPERIvEY. 
J. H. Kepperley, present chief burgess of South Renovo, was born at 
Hopewell, Bedford county. Pa., April 1st, 1847. Nearly his whole life 
has been spent in railroading. Previous to coming to Renovo, in 1866, 
he was employed as fireman on the Broad Top railroad. After locating 
at Renovo, he was for a time brakemau on the P. & E. road, later fire- 
man on a freight, and then engineer. In June, 1874, he was promoted 
to his present position as engineer of a passenger train, between Renovo 
and Kane. Mr. Kepperley was first elected chief burgess in 1891, and 
re-elected in 1892, and is now serving his second term as chief burgess 
and school director. 



LOGANTON BOROUGH. 



THE lands upon which Loganton now stands was origi- 
nally surveyed to Dr. Casper Wistar, professor of 
anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania. The tract con- 
tained several thousand acres. The Wistar lands were 
afterwards sold to other parties, the portion upon which 
Loganton now stands being purchased by John Kleckner, 
and they afterwards fell into the hands of his son, Colonel 
Anthony Kleckner, who laid out the village of Logansville 
in 1840. The name was afterwards changed to Loganton. 
The village was incorporated as a borough by an act of the 
grand jury, September 17th, 1869. The act was confirmed 
by the court January i8th, 1870, and the first election held 
February 1 2th, 1 870. The first officers of the borough were : 
Dr. Jonathan Moyer, chief burgess; J. L. Cole, Daniel Kar- 
stetter, Adam Huber, Samuel Stamm, J. F. Berry, council- 
men; George A. Achenbach, clerk; D. M. Morris, T. J. 
Berry, justices of the peace; Robert Karstetter, constable; 
Cornelius Karstetter, assessor; George A. Achenbach, 
Emanuel Heller, C. W. Conser, auditors. The present 
officers are: Chief burgess. Dr. J. A. Houtz; justices of the 
peace, W. F. Moyer, W. K. Berry; constable, M. Fietter- 
hoof; high constable, Peter Rishel; assessor, F. M. Gramly; 
tax collector, A. W. Herlacher; councilmen, D. M. Morris, 
H. S. Cole, John Gramly, George C. Bacon, John Brown; 
.school board, Dr. W. R. Goodman, E. E. Morris, Israel 
Bierly, John Brown, D. W. Reighard, J. B. Barner; auditors, 
F. F. Morris, M. E. Brewer, A. L. Heller. 

EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 

The first and present frame church was built in 1852, 
and in 1874 an addition was built to it. Since its organi- 
zation, March 4th, 1844, the following pastors have served 
the congregation: 1844-46, John M. Sindlinger; 1846-48, 



284 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, 

Daniel Kehr; 1848, Rev. Lindemann; 1863, M. Zuloup; 
1864-66, Philip Wagner; 1866-68, Philip Graham; 1868-70, 
Z. Hornberger; 1870, John Heller; 1871-72, A. Longsdorf; 
1873, E. Stambach; 1874, D. P. Rumberger; 1875-78, R. 
Young; 1878-81, D. P. Kline; 1881-84, J. G. M. Swengle; 
1884-86, T. M. Morris, M. I. Jamison; 1886-88, C. H. Good- 
ling; 1888-89, P. C. Weidemeyer and E. L. Kessler; 1890, 
P. C. Weidemeyer and H. B. Barslinger; 1891, P. C. Wei- 
demeyer; 1892, F. P. Jarret. 

The pastor also preaches at the following places : Price's 
chapel, Bicksler's chapel, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Zion, Green 
Grove, Booneville, Logan Mills and Tylersville. The Sunday 
school is largely attended and is in a flourishing condition. 
Present officers are: Superintendent, John Brown; assistant 
superintendent, Daniel Kister; secretary.WilliamGreninger; 
treasurer, F. M. Gramly; librarians, Adam Bierly and Mary 
Morris; organist, Mrs. Lizzie S. Morris; assistant. Miss 
Minnie Conser. 

The young folks have also organized a Christian Endeavor 
society, with some fifty members. 

LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

St. Paul's Lutheran and Reformed brick church was built 
in 1 85 1, and in 1882 was remodeled and improved. 

The Reformed pastors since 1851 have been: Jacob Zeh- 
ring, Daniel Tobias, J. F. Hoffmyer, W. H. Engle, W. H. 
Landis; at present supplied by Rev. J. R. Brown. 

Since 1864 the Lutheran pastors have been: 1864-68, 
Peter Gheen; 1868-70, J. H. Davidson; 1870-77, W. H. 
Gotwald; 1877-80, J. K. Bricker; 1880, J. K. Miller; 18S2- 
88, E. Lenhart; 1888-91, E. E. Dietterich. 

The Sunday school has an average attendance of ninety, 
with the following officers: Superintendent, C. W. Conser; 
assistant superintendent, J. H. Boone; treasurer, D. K, 
Heckman; secretary, Miss Josie Karstetter; librarians, Cal- 
vin Karstetter and Mary Dow; organists, Grace Barner and 
Ida V. Royer. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 285 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Lc/ganton has three public schools. The public school 
building is a large two-story frame structure, containing 
three rooms and a town hall. The first board of directors 
were: Levi Conser, I. C. Smith, Michael Karstetter, John 
Reighard,W. F. Moyer, Henry Wirth. The present board 
are: Dr. W. R. Goodman, J. B. Earner, D. W. Reighard, 
E. -E. Morris, John Brown, Israel Bierly. The teachers 
for 1891 and 1892 were: W. R. Berry, grammar grade; H. 
G. Lupoid, intermediate grade; Miss Hattie R. Heller, 
primary grade. 

The following points concerning Sugar Valley were fur- 
nished us by Levi Conser: "The schools of Sugar Valley 
prior to 1840 were rather of a low grade, partly for want of 
competent teachers and a lack of intelligence on the part of 
the citizens of the valley, for it was thought sufficient if the 
boys could read and write and had a little knowledge of 
arithmetic ; as for the girls, it was said, what is the use of 
sending the girls to school ? If they can learn to read, that 
is all that is necessary ; writing was not considered necessary 
for girls. Grammar and geography were not taught in any 
of the schools prior to 1 840. The school books were few 
and of poor quality; Byerly's spelling book was the best 
school book of its kind. Pike's arithmetic was the only 
arithmetic then in use, and that was all £ s. d. (pounds 
shillings and pence). The Bible and Testament were com- 
mon reading books in the schools. The teachers that 
taught prior to 1840 were: Rev. Banky, Adam Wolf, Samuel 
Hetner, Samuel Bower, Walter Chatham and John Chatham. 
In 1840 we had four school houses in the valley, one in the 
east end of the valley, known as the Brungard school house 
one in Loganton, one near Logan Mills, and one at what is 
now Tylersville. There had been a log cabin school house 
where Loganton now is, but it had gotten so poor that it 
could not be used, so during the winter of 1838 and 1839 
there was no school at Loganton. During the summer of 
1839 Anthony Kleckner built a school house on his land in 



286 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the town, and gave the use of his school house free of rent. 
During the winter of 1839 and 1840 Hiram Kline, of* Col- 
umbia county, taught in Loganton and Samuel Bower 
taught in the Brungard school house. During the winter of 
1840 and 1 84 1 James Stevenson, of Porter township, Clin- 
ton county, taught the Loganton school and Samuel Bower 
taught the Brungard school. During the winter of 1841 
and 1842 Levi Conser taught the Loganton school and 
Samuel Bower taught the Brungard school. Samuel Bower 
from that time on taught the Brungard school, until the 
adoption of the public school ; when that was adopted he 
would not teach any more. While the greater part of the 
state had accepted the public school system, Sugar Valley 
always voted "no school." The friends of the public school, 
finding there was no hope of getting their end accomplished 
by vote, George A. Achenbach, Dr. Jonathan Moyer, 
Anthony Kleckner and other friends of education, through 
the influence of Hon. George A. Achenbach, obtained from 
the Legislature of the state an act to establish a special 
school district, known as the Loganton school district. In 
designating its boundaries it was made large enough to con- 
tain territory for two schools — the Loganton school and 
the Wise school, one mile east of Loganton. The special 
district received all the back (or former) state appropria- 
tions, amounting to over ;S400, out of which the cost of the 
school house was then paid to Anthony Kleckner. The 
other part of the valley continued to vote "no school," until 
the school system was made general all over the state. 
The old prejudice against the free school has now passed 
away. For many years it was called the force school, and 
loud and bitter the complaints. But because they had to 
pay the taxes, they would send their children to school so 
as to get even, and the children got the benefit. So the 
force school had the effect of gettmg children into the school 
who otherwise would have gotten little or no schooling. Our 
schools in Sugar Valley are now supplied with as compe- 
tent teachers as those in any other part of the county. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 287 

Thirty years ago we were obliged to employ at least nine- 
tenths of the teachers we needed from other parts of the 
county, but now we can furnish teachers enough to supply 
our schools who were born and raised in the valley. The 
teachers that taught in Sugar Valley after 1 840 up to 1 849 
or 1850 were: Hiram Kline, of Columbia county; M. D. 
Rockey, of Logan township; James Stephenson, of Porter 
township; L. Conser. of Loganton; Oswald von Koenig, a 
Prussian, well educated in English and German; John 
McElarney, of Mifflinburg; A. L. Hatfield, of Lewisburg; 
Reuben McGee, of Centre county; Maldon Watson, of Por- 
ter township; William Banghart, of New Columbia; J. Q. 
Adams, of Sugar Valley ; J. A. Wilmot, of Bradford county. 

Sugar Valley is noted for the number of its churches, there 
being twelve church edifices in the valley proper and five 
on the mountain belonging to the valley, making seventeen 
churches. The denominations are: Lutheran, German 
Reformed, Evangelical, Dunkard and some United Brethren. 

The inhabitants of the town of Loganton March ist, 1839, 
were: George A. Achenbach (single man), merchant; Solo- 
mon Knarr, tailor; David Earner, laborer; James Wilson, 
shoemaker; David Gearhart, laborer; John Kitchen, retired 
farmer; Henry Wohlfort, tanner; Jacob Warner, black- 
smith; Peter Bierly, wagon maker; David Moyer, laborer. 
Sugar Valley was at that time a wonderful forest of white 
pine, but the sturdy farmer and the stump machine have 
done the work of cleaning up the valley." 

SUGAR VALLEY JOURNAL. 

The Sugar Y alley /ourna/, published by D, Scott Currin, 
launched into the newspaper world April 8th, 1S84, as a 
five-column folio, and published semi-monthly, and after- 
wards was enlarged to a seven -column folio, and published 
weekly. A job printing office is attached to it. The 
Journal is an independent paper, which furnishes all the 
local news of the county, and is a good advertising medium. 
Its circulation is daily increasing. Ihe Journal is an eight- 



288 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

page paper, which has entered upon its seventh year, and 
bears evidence of prosperity and careful management, both 
editorially and otherwise. Mr. Currin was but eighteen 
years old when he embarked in journalism in Southern 
Clinton county, and was the youngest newspaper publisher 
in the state. The people of Sugar Valley have cause for 
entertaining pride in the Journal, which faithfully records 
the occurrences in the valley, and thus keeps its readers 
posted on matters which interest them locally. Mr. Currin, 
to whose energy is due the fact that Sugar Valley has such 
a bright and vigilant advocate and news medium, is a prac- 
tical printer, a concise writer, and an industrious worker, 
and is meeting with increasing success. 




J. R. HOUTZ, M D. 



LOGAMON, Pa. 



CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS. 



LOGANTON WATER COMPANY. 

LOGANTON WATER COMPANY was incorporated July 15th, 1861. 
The first officers were: President, James P. Berry; secretary. Dr. 
Jonathan Moyer; treasurer, William Smith; nui.nagers, George 
C. Breon, Daniel Reber, John Berry, Michael Karstetter and Jacob 
Keister. 

The present officers are: President, C. W. Conser; secretary, W. F. 
Moyer; treasurer, J. B. Earner; managers, C. W. Conser, W. P. Moyer, 
Dr. J. A. Houtz, Jacob Keister and J. J. Fiddler. The water is received 
from a never-failing spring near the sulphur spring, north of town. 

SUGAR VALLEY LODGE, NO. 829, I. O. O. F. 

Sugar Valley lodge, No. 829, I. O, 0. F., was instituted March 1st, 
1873, by J. M. Messimer, of Renovo lodge. No. 595, with the following 
charter members: H. R. Achenbaeh, A. B. Conser, John Morris, Samuel 
Kahl, William F. Moyer, L. W. Dunn, D. M. Morris, B. F. Klepper, J, 
B. Earner and Daniel Mark. 

The present officers are: N. G., A. W. Herlacher; V. G., E, E. Her- 
lacher; treasurer, J. B. Earner; Per. Sec, W. F. Moyer, recording sec- 
retary, W. E. Conser; N. G. R. S., D. M. Morris; N. G. L. S., B. P. 
Klepper; warden, W. R. Berry; conductor, John Morris; chaplain, John 
Engle; O. G., John Brown; I. G., J. C. Berry; R. S. S., F. P. Morris; 
L. S. S., J. W. Lupoid. Its present membership is forty-one, and up to 
date it has not lost a member by death. 

SUGAR VALLEY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY. 

A meeting was held at Logansville, March 18th, 1861, for the purpose of 
organizing a fire insurance company, at which time John E. Schrack 
was elected president, and J. E. Roush secretary. A charter was soon 
granted, and Joseph Snook appointed temporary president. The com- 
pany is conducted on the mutual plan, and has been in successful opera- 
tion since the date of its charter, and up to date of settlement, December 
31st, 1891, there were fourteen assessments laid and paid $28,122 losses. 
They do not insure in towns, and only take $3,000 on one risk. 

Its operations were at first confined to Greene and Logan townships, 
but in 1862 were extended to Porter and Lamar, shortly afterwards to 
Wayne, Crawford and Dunnstable townships, and in 1872 were extended 
to Lycoming, Union, Snyder and Centre counties. 

Its presidents have been : 1861, Philip Wohlfort ; 1862 to 1873, W. A. 
Murray ; 1873 to 1892, General D. K. Heckman. Vice presidents, 1862 
to 1873, General D. K. Heckman; 1873 to 1883, James P. Berry; 1883 to 



290 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

1892. D. K. Heckman. Seceitaries, 1861 to 1863, J. E. Roush; 1863 to 
1868, George A. Achenbach; 1883 to 1892, D. M. Morris. Treasurers, 
1861 to 1877, Joseph Snook ; 1877, D. M. Morris, Samuel Stamm, George 
Wagner. 

The first board of directors was Joseph Caldwell, Joseph Snook, Gen- 
eral D. K. Heckman, John B. Schrack, Robert Kleckner, Philip Wohl- 
fort, William Bartges, John Heckman, Jr., Jacob Kahl, H. H. Pessler, 
George Brungard, Jacob Sankey. 

The present officers and directors are as follows: D. K. Heckman, 
president; Isaac Frantz, vice president; D. M. Morris, secretary; George 
Wagner, treasurer. Directors — D. K. Heckman, Clinton county; Philip 
Gramly, Clinton county; Robert Furst, Clinton county; A. N. Heckman, 
Clinton connty; Joseph W. Hubbard, Clinton county; Samuel Suiter, 
Clinton county; Isaac Frantz, Clinton county; S. L. Mull, Lycoming 
county; B, Zerby, Lycoming county; Adam Bartges, Centre county; 
S. L, Strohecker, Centre county; G. W. Himmelrich, Union county. 

POST NO. 379, DEPARTMENT OP PENNSYLVANIA, G. A. R. 

Post No. 379, Department of Pennsylvania, G. A. R., was instituted 
September 28th, 1883, by G. T. Michaels, of Post 122, assisted by Com- 
rades Austin Curtin, A. J. Spangler and others, and was named George 
W. Moyer post, in memory of a young Loganton soldier, son of Dr. 
Jonathan Moyer, who was shot in action at Thoroughfare Gap, Virginia. 
The following were elected officers of the post: William F. Moyer, post 
commander; Charles C. Harbach, senior vice commander; Robert H. 
Karstetter, junior vice commander; Daniel Keister, adjutant of post; 
Hiram L. Murray, Quartermaster of post; William C. Weber, officer of 
day ; John Berry, surgeon ; John H. Matter, chaplain ; Charles W. Con- 
ser, officer of guard ; Lewis F. Rockey, sergeant major; George B. Yea- 
ger, quartermaster sergeant; John A. Heller, ordinance officer. 

Present officers: Commander, William F. Moyer; senior vice com- 
mander, George B. Yeager; junior vice commander, Frank J. Boling; 
Adjutant, William C. Weber; quartermaster, John F. Rockey; surgeon, 
John B. Rumberger; chaplain, Charles W. Conser; officer of day, Isaac 
S. Duck; officer of guard, Jerry A. Fiddler; sergeant major, Daniel Keis- 
ter; quartermaster sergeant, Samuel C, Frankenberger. 

Following are the past post commanders in order of their rank: Wil- 
liam F. Moyer, William C. Weber, John F. Rockey and Charles W. 
Conser. 

The following is a list of the names and army record of service of 
soldiers resident in the borough of Loganton at this time: 

Second Lieutenant John Berry, Company G, 210th Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, served 9 months. 

Sergeant William C. Weber, Company B, Second Battalion, 16th Reg- 
iment United States Infantry, served 36 months. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 29 1 

Sergeant Daniel Keister, Company D, 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Cavaliy, 
served 17 months. 

Corporal Robert H. Karstetter, Company B, 11th Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteer Infantry, served 44 months. 

Corporal Jeremiali A. Fiddler, Company G, 210th Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry, served 9 n)onths. 

Sergeant William P. Moyer. Company D, 1st Pennsylvania Reserve 
Cavalry, served 46 months. 

Sergeant Charles W. Conser, Company D, 7th Reserve Volunteers. 
Private George B. Yeager, Company D, 203d Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, served 9 months. 

Private Paul Greninger, Company G, 49th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
served 12 months. 

Corporal Henry Wren, Company K, 143d Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
served 20 months. 

Private George Tibbens, Company E, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. 

Private Emanuel Huber, Company G, 210th Pennsylva*nia Volunteers, 
served 9 months. 

Team-ter John Ludwig, Company G, 210th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
served 9 months. 

Private Jonathan Snyder, Company G, 210th Pennsylvania Volunteers 
served 9 months. 

Private Isaac Knepp, Company D, 11th Michigan Volunteers. 

Private John A. Heller, Company C, 210th Pennsylvania Volunteers 
served 9 months. 

Private Isaac S. Duck, Company P, 195th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
served 9 months. 

Present meetings of post are first and third Saturdays in each month 
at 2.30 o'clock p. m. 

LOGANTON CORNET BAND. 

Loganton cornet band was organized July 20th, 1886 ; chaitered Sep- 
tember, 1886, with the following members: H. B. Karstetter, T, T. 
Parker, S. W. Snyder, J. C. Goodman, E. E. Herlacher, Pierce Zellers 
John Womeldorf, M. E. Breon, P. M. Gramly. P. G. Berry, A.J. Breon' 
P. P. Morris, Elmer Morris, W. H. Smith and Prank Moyer. 

The first oflicers were: President, P. G. Berry; secretary, P. M. 
Gramly; treasurer, P. P. Morris; leader, J. M. Stover. 

The present officers are: President, J. A. Houtz; vice president, A. L. 
Hel!er; secretary, P. M. Gramly; treasurer, Samuel Stamm; trustees 
W. P. Moyer, J. C. Berry, W. R. Goodman, D. L. Stamm and J. Earner. 

p. 0. S. OF A. 

Washington camp. No. 203, P. 0. S. of A., was instituted in 1872, and 
re-chartered in 1881, but has lately been abandoned. 



292 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LOGAN HOUSE. 

The only hotel in the borough of Loganton is the Logan house, owned 
by Peter Meitzler, and run at the present time by Mrs. R. W. Cole. The 
Logan house is quite a prominent summer resort, and is generally 
thronged with guests during the summer months. The house itself is a 
commodious frame structure, pleasantly located near the celebrated 
sulphur springs. Under the management of Mrs. Cole and her son, 
Harry, the Logan house has become quite popular. All guests receive 
the best of treatment. The tables are supplied at all times with the best 
the season affords. The best of wines and liquors are constantly kept on 
hand, and everything meets the requirements of a first-class hotel. 



PROMINENT MEN OF LOGANTON. 



GENERAL D. K. HECKMAN. 

GEN. D. K. HECKMAN was born on the Heckman homestead, near 
Loganton, September 23tl, 1823. He received a limited education in 
the public schools of his day. He was married January 4th, 1849. 
to Elizabeth Kline,of Gregg township, Centre county. Pa. By this marriage 
he became the father of two sons, J. Kline and Isway Heckman, and two 
daughters, namely: Regina, married to R. W, A. Jamison, and Minerva, 
now the wife of W. H. Smith. General Heckman's first wife died 
February 11th, 1870, and he was again married March 14th, 1874, to 
Hannah Slear, of Forest Hill, Union county. Pa. General D. K. Heck- 
man is one of Sugar Valley's most su*bstantial and prosperous citizens. 
Politically, he is a Democrat. He has held various township offices, 
but would never allow his name to be used as a candidate for other than 
a local office. He is at present president of the Sugar Valley Mutual Fire 
Insurance company, and has been a member of the company since its 
organization. Mr. Heckman now owns and tills the Heckman home- 
stead, a fine farm of 300 acres, located one-fourth of a mile west from the 
town of Loganton. 



LEVI CONSER. 

Levi Conser, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Sugar 
Valley, was born in Washington township, Lycoming county. Pa., July 
28th, 1819. His father, John Conser, moved to Rebersburg, Centre 
county. Pa., in 1822. Here Levi Conser received such an education as 
the time and place afforded. At the age of nineteen he started in the 
tailoring business at Loganton, Pa. He next purchased a half interest 
in two country stores, one at Loganton, and the other at Logan Mills. 
Later he sold out his interest in the stores, and bought from his brother. 
Rev. S. L. M. Conser, a one-third interest in the steam saw mill, located 
at Dunnstown. When the panic of 1857 came, the firm gave up business. 
Levi Conser returned to Loganton and began farming on the lands of his 
father-in-law, Anthony Kleckner, He followed farming until the death 
of Colonel Kleckner. He next secured the mail route from Salona to 
Sugar Valley. The surplus income he invested in a confectionery; the 
investment was profitable. In 1863 he found himself possessed of a stock 
of goods fully paid, and $650 in cash. He then visited Philadelphia, 
and with his capital, and help of friends, returned to Loganton with over 
$3,000 worth of merchandise. He remained in the mercantile business 
for a period of over twenty-five years, carrying with him, through his 
whole business career, a reputation for honesty and integrity not ex- 



294 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

celled by any man. Levi Consor was for fourteen years of his life a 
Democrat, but never agreed with his party on the subject of tariff. He 
continued a protective tariff Democrat until slavery became a political 
question, when, failing to agree with his party, he Joined the Republican 
ranks. He never held or asked for an office. He has been an earnest 
friend to the Sunday school cause, and in May, 1840, established, at 
Loganton, the first Sunday school in Sugar Valley. He served as justice 
of the peace for many years, being elected to the office the first time Defore 
he was twenty five years of age. He has always been greatly interested 
in school matters, and desirous of securing for his family the full benefit 
of a first-class education. One of his sons is now a professor in the 
Central Pennsylvania college at New Berlin, Union county. Pa., and an- 
other. Dr. T. C. Conser, is a practicing physician of Salona, Clinton 
county. Pa. Honored and respected by his fellow men, Levi Conser still 
lives, and aids according to his ability every good cause. 



J. A. HOUTZ, M. D. * 

Dr. J. A. Houtz was born at Lemont, Centre county, Pa , in 1846. 
He was educated in the public schools and at Pine Hall and Boalsburg 
academies. In 1867 he began the study of medicine with Dr. S. L. Van 
Valza, then a resident physician of Boalsburg, Centre county, Pa. In 
1868 he entered Jefferson Medical college, at Philadelphia, and graduated 
from there in March, 1871. For a short time after his graduation he 
followed the practice of his profession at Snow Shoe, Pa. In December, 
1871, he located at Loganton, where he has remained ever since, with 
the exception of on^ year spent in Philadelphia. Dr. Houtz is a radical 
Republican, but takes no active part in politics outside of local affairs. 
He has served several terms as school director of Loganton, and a num- 
ber of terms as chief burgess, and is filling the latter position at the pres- 
ent time. He is a single man, and makes his home at the Lngan 
house. Dr. Houtz is considered one of the leading physicians of Clin- 
ton county, and has always been very successful in his chosen profession. 
He and his partner, Dr. W. R. Goodman, are the only resident physicians 
within the limits of Sugar Valley. 

W. R. GOODMAN, M. D. 

Dr. W. R. Goodman was born April 9th, 1851. He is a son of George 
Goodman, one of the old settlers of Sugar Valley. Dr. Goodman re- 
ceived his early education in the public schools of Loganton, and later 
attended select school at Salona. He also spent one year at the Blooms- 
burg Normal school, and eighteen months at Union seminary, now Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania college, at New Berlin, Pa. After leaving school he 
taught four terms at Loganton. After a season spent in traveling 
through the Western states, he entered the store of Witmer & Co., at Lo- 
ganton, where he clerked for one year. He then entered the office of Dr. 
J. A. Houtz, and read medicine for one year, after which he entered 




W. R. GOODMAN, iW, D. 



LOGANTON, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 295 

Jefferson Medical college, where lie remained until lie graduated, in March, 
1880. After his graduation he located at Reedsville, Mifflin county, 
Pa., and later located at Rebersburg. After a season spent in the latter 
place he removed to Loganton. and entered into partnership with Dr. J. 
A. Houtz, and has continued the same up to the present time. Dr. 
Goodman was married, in 1880, to Anna M. McCloskey, daughter of Ab- 
ner McCloskey, of Be^ch Creek. They have two sons. Politically Dr. 
Goodman is a Democrat. He has several times been elected chief burgess 
of Loganton. and is now filling his second term as school director. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Odd Fellows. He 
owns a handsome brick residence in the borough of Loganton, where he 
resides. 



JOHN BERRY. 

John Berry was born in Logan township, then Centre county, March 8th. 
1827. His father was William K. Berry, one of the first settlers of 
Sugar Valley. John Berry received his education in the common schools. 
At eighteen years of age he learned the mason and stone cutting trade, 
which he followed for fifteen years. For about three years he kept hotel 
in Loganton, in one of the first buildings erected in the town. He then 
went to Potters Mills, Centre county. Pa., where he kept hotel for one 
year. From there he entered the army, enlisting in Company G, 210th 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 24th, 1864, serving until he 
was mustered out of service, at Arlington Heights, Va., May 30th, 1865. 
He then returned to Loganton, where his family then resided, and again 
went into the hotel business at the same stand. After following this 
business for a time he entered the lumber business, which he followed for 
fifteen years. Li April of 1889 he was appointed postmaster by President 
Harrison, to succeed D. M. Morris, During his military service Mr. 
Berry was Second Lieutenant of Company G. He has filled various bor- 
ough offices, serving five years as constable and four years as supervisor. 
Mr. Berry was married in 1847 to Catharine Morris, a daughter of David 
R. Morris, and a sister of John and Daniel Morris, now residents of Lo- 
ganton. They have had six children, four now livhig. One of his daugh- 
ters is married, and now a resident of Oregon. Another is married, and 
lives in Johnsonburg, The other two, one daughter and the son, reside 
in Loganton. Mr. Berry has served as postmaster of Loganton under 
Lincoln's and also Grant's administration. 

JOHN MORRIS. 

John Morris was born in Berks county, Pa., September 16th, 1835. 
He came to Sugar Valley in 1838. In early life he learned the weaving 
trade, and for a time followed weaving homespun goods for clothing. 
He received a common school education, and at the age of eighteen 
years began an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade. He was married 
February 8th, 1858, to Jane E. Wirth, a daughter of Henry Wirth. 



296 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

They had five children, two of whom are dead. Those living are Henri- 
etta, wife of John Brown, and Emma and Sallie, who reside with their 
parents, Mr. Morris was, for a number of years, extensively engaged in 
lumbering. In 1877 he purchased the Loganton grist mill, and in 1890 
greatly improved the same by converting it into a roller mill. 



J. H. BOONE. 

J. H. Boone was born in New Berlin, Union county. Pa., August 31st, 
1840. His father, Benawell Boone, located where Booneville now stands, 
over fifty years ago. In early life Mr. Boone attended the common 
schools of Logan township, and prepared himself for the profession of 
teaching, which he began in 1860. He followed the profession for five 
years. He then learned the plastering trade, which he followed during 
the summer months for several years. He then began the marketing 
business, which he followed for over twenty-five years. Mr. Boone and 
his two brothers were instrumental in securing the postoflice at Boone- 
ville during the time Hon. George A. Achenbach was in the Legis- 
lature. They requested him to use his influence in the matter, and he 
advised them to fill out the petition, leaving the name of the office a 
blank. When the papers were returned, they saw the worthy gentleman 
had played a joke on them, and placed the name of Booneville where they 
had left the blank. From this time on the office and village was called 
Booneville, in honor of the first settler and his sons, Mr, Boone removed 
to Loganton in 1887, In 1888 he was elected constable of the borough, 
an office he has filled ever since. He was for several years justice of the 
peace for Logan township. J. 11. Boone was married in 1862 to Rebecca 
Renninger, of Green township. They have three children living. Their 
eldest son is a useful citizen, and a member of the Green township school 
board. Their. second son, Harry E. Boone, was born blind. In 1889 
Harry entered the institution for the blind in Philadelphia, where he in- 
tends taking a seven years' course; although not one-half of his term has 
yet expired, he is now able to use the pen and type writer with almost 
perfect skill. The other child is a daughter, who resides with her 
parents, Mr, Boone owns a neat and cozy home in Loganton, where he 
resides, and a farm in Green township. He is a substantial and useful 
citizen, and a friend of education and improvement. 



J. K. HECKMAN. 

J. K, Heckraan, one of the successful farmers and Democrats of Green 
township, was born near Loganton, March 3d, 1853, He received his 
education in the public schools, and at MillersviUe Normal school. In 
1876 he went to the West and spent some time traveling through the 
different western states with the idea of locating, but seeing no place 
that he liked better than his own green vale, he returned and purchased 
the large and valuable farm upon which he now resides, Mr, Heckman 
was married in 1883 to Delia Cole, a daughter of Mrs. R, W. Cole, of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 29/ 

Loganton. J. K. Heckmaii is a son of General D. K. lleckraan, one of 
the most respected and useful citizens of Sugar Valley. Kline, as he is 
always called, is an uncompromising Democrat, and one of the leading 
politicians of his section. The fine farm upon which J. K. Heckman 
resides is located about one mile west of the borough of Loganton. He 
has surrounded himself witii all the comforts of farm life, and enjoys his 
blessings as an honest man should. 



C. W. CONSER. 

C. W. Conser was born May 31st, 1841. He is a son of Levi Conser. 
He received his early education in tiie public schools. He served several 
years as an apprentice in the cabinet making shop of John F. Sloan at 
Lock Haven. In April, 18G1, he entered the army, enlisting in Company 
D, 7lh Regiment, Penn'^ylvania Volunteers. After serving eighteen 
months he returned home, and was made enrolling officer of his district. 
1 n the autumn of 1864 he again enlisted, and served in the 303d Regiment, 
until mustered out of service at Philadelphia in June, I860. After the 
war he returned to Loganton, and followed his trade for about ten years. 
He then started a confectionery store and barber shop. He also followed 
the marketing business for a time. C. W. Conser was married Decem- 
ber, 1864, to Margaret Gheen, of Nippenose valley. They have two 
children, one son and one daughter, both married and residing at 
Loganton. Mr. Conser was elected and served one term as justice of the 
peace, being elected in February, 1885. He is at present conducting a 
novelty store, which he started a short time ago. 



20 



BEECH CREEK BOROUGH. 



NEARLY all the land now occupied by the borough of 
Beech Creek formerly belonged to a tract surveyed, 
in 1769, to Lieutenant Wiggin. It is located on the east 
side of Beech creek, extending one mile back from the 
mouth of the stream. The tract was originally covered 
with a heavy growth of oak, hickory, pine and poplar 
timber. In 1842 the best of the oak was taken off by John 
Nestlerode, Solomon Strong and William Parsons. The 
lumber was used for mounting cannon and manufacturing 
of artillery wagons. 

The credit of starling the town belongs to Michael 
Quigley, who about the year 181 2 bought thirty acres of 
the Wiggin's tract, and erected a grist mill, which is still in 
use, now owned by Furst, Hess & Co., and Proctor Myers- 
Michael Quigley built a dwelling about the same time, a 
part of which was used for a store ; the first person using it 
for that purpose being Buck Claffin, father of Mrs. Victoria 
WoodhuU. The same room was afterwards occupied by 
George Furst and Henry Gast. Furst withdrew from the 
firm, and Gast afterwards sold out to Cline Quigley and 
Andrew White. George Furst bought a lot from Michael 
Quigley, on the corner of Main and Harrison streets, and 
erected a frame building, which he used as a store until 
1879, when he erected the large two-story brick storeroom, 
which is now occupied by George D. Hess as a store room. 
Quigley & White remained in business, in partnership, for 
a time in a building erected by Quigley, a kw rods west of 
the grist mill. The firm dissolved, and White built a 
room a few rods west of the one erected by Quigley, which 
he occupied as a store. Quigley remained in the same 
room until 1850, when he rented to Houzeal & Miller, of 
Jersey Shore, This firm failed in 1852. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 299 

The same room was then occupied by Silas Hess until 
1856. In 1866 Silas Hess and S. Mobley bought out Cline 
Quigley. They sold to Henry Berry, Charles Cade and 
Daniel Bitner, in 1871. These parties were succeeded in 
1875 by Cline Quigley, who kept a grocery until 1879. 
The same room was occupied by George Furst & Son 
during the erection of the brick structure, and after they 
left it Quigley again held possession for a time. He finally 
sold out to Johnston & Bergner. The building then burned 
and was never rebuilt. 

Andrew White occupied the room he built in 1848 until 
1856, when he gave up business and moved on a farm in 
Bald Eagle township. He sold his store to Silas Hess, who 
sold to Thomas & Mason. Richard Berryhill then pur- 
chased the place, and occupies it at the present time. 

In 1865 John McGhee built a store room, and started a 
store. He sold to Thomas & Mason; afterwards changed 
to Thomas & Co. In 1868 they sold to Brown, Hastings 
& Co. This firm occupied the room until 1872, when they 
gave up business. The same room was next occupied by 
J. S. Hall and William Bitner; next by John W. Cook. In 
1880 John McGhee again took possession of the place, and 
opened a general store, which he is now conducting. In 
1869 B. & J. Liggett purchased a lot from Solomon Strong, 
and erected thereon a large frame store room, and opened 
a general store. In 1873 ^- Liggett sold his interest to S. 
Mobley and E. K. Parsons. The name of the firm was J. 
Liggett & Co. After doing business for several years the 
firm failed. 

The same room used by J. Liggett & Co. was then oc- 
cupied by John Mobley, H. F. Mobley and S. Mobley. 
This store is now conducted by Mobley & Hall. 

H. H. Berry and Charles Cade erected a store room on 
the opposite side of the street from the Liggett building in 
1875. These parties conducted a general store for a time, 
but finally failed. The room used by them is now used as 
a store room by George Williams, 



300 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

In 1852 B. Klapp purchased Houzeal & Miller's lumber 
establishment, and started a store. They sold in 1854 to 
A. Shonce, S. Saylor and Israel Day. These parties con- 
ducted the mercantile business at the same stand until i860, 
when they built the store room in the east end of the 
borough, now owned by Joseph W. Merrey. They did 
business in the new room under the firm name of Buckley, 
Saylor & Co. until 1868, when the lumber firm changed to 
Saylor, Day & Morey. The firm of Hess, Knecht & Miller 
then conducted the store on a large scale until the failure of 
Saylor, Day & Morey, which catastrophe threw the mercan- 
tile firm into bankruptcy. These were all the stores ever 
kept in the borough of Beech Creek. 

In 18 14 Michael Quigley built a fulling mill south of the 
grist mill. At that time these two mills were the only man- 
ufacturing establishments in the village. 

The next industry was the saw mill erected by Quigley 
& White. Both the fulling mill and the saw mill were used 
several years, and then allowed to go into decay. 

In 1839 Solomon Strong came from New York state, and 
began the manufacture of fanning mills on a large scale. 
These mills soon became quite popular. They found a 
ready sale all over Pennsylvania, and many were shipped 
by boat to Maryland. In 1846 George Furst and L. G. 
Andrews erected a factory for the manufacture of fanning 
mills. They followed the business for many years. G. Q. 
Williams and S. C. Keyes & Son also followed the business 
for a time, after Furst & Andrews had given up manufac- 
turing. 

These were the leading manufacturing establishments of 
the borough, even up to the present time, outside of the 
lumber industries. 

About 1837 John Orner .started a tailor shop in the build- 
ing now occupied by Roland Gunsaullis as a dwelling. 

Ashur Packer built a small tannery about the .same time; 
John Packer built a blacksmith shop ; Samuel Clark, a 
cooper shop ; John I. Packer started a shoemaker shop in 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 30I 

1843, which business was afterwards carried on by James 
Council, D. W. Council, John McGhee, William Sterling, 
H. H. Berry, George Wensel, Nelson Caldwell and William 
Trexler. 

About 1853 Cline Quigley and Andrew White built a 
saw mill south of the grist mill. This mill was operated 
until 1858. 

In 1850 Houzeal & Miller erected the first circular saw 
mill on Beech creek. In 1852 they sold out to Klapp & 
Knarr, who run the mill until 1854, when they sold to 
Shonce, Saylor & Co. This firm erected a large water mill, 
which was destroyed by fire in 1865. The firm rebuilt the 
mill in 1868, and added a planing mill. The mill was run 
until the failure of the firm in 1876. It was the leading in- 
dustry of the Bald Eagle valley, and in fact we might say it 
made the borough of Beech Creek. The industry gave em- 
ployment to a great many persons. After the firm failed 
every laboring man was paid in full. The mill was sold to 
Hon. Joseph Merrey, and by him torn down and removed. 

M. E. CHURCH. 

The M. E. church was organized in 1833, and a small 
church built in 1834, at the western border of the borough. 
The first class leader was David Crouse. The Methodists 
occupied the building regular, and the Presbyterians occa- 
sionally until 1868, when it was sold to John Nestlerode, 
and afterwards torn down. Its site is now occupied by the 
dwelling of Mrs. Jane Romick. Many of the most eminent 
preachers of that day have occupied the pulpit of that little 
church, and in it the aged Dr. Benjamin Hamilton preached 
his first sermon. 

In 1868 the same congregation erected a large building 
on a lot purchased from Samuel Clark, at a cost of about 
;^9,ooo, which was entirely completed in 1873. Rev. J. W. 
Langley, then stationed at Lock Haven, preached the 
dedicatory sermon. Since then the pastors have been : 
1868 to 1870, Thomas F. McClure; 1870 to 1873, J- W. 
Buckley; 1873 to 1875, J. Foster Bell; 1875 to 1876, John 



302 PAST AlSfD I^RESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Z.Lloyd; 187610 1878, Elisha Butler; 1878, Bruno Graham 
and Charles Buck; 1879 to 1882, T. S. Faus; 1882, M. P. 
Crosthwaite; 1882 to 1885, Owen Hicks; 1885 to 1887^ 
Elish Shoemaker; 1887 to 1890, George E. King; 1890 to 
1891, N. B. Smith. 

The present board of trustees are: John Liggett, Ira N. 
McCloskey, H. C. Williams, W. P. Bullock and C. C. Quay. 

This church has kept up a Sunday school for the last 
fifty years; most of the time the whole year round, and at 
the present time the school is in a flourishing condition. 
The present superintendent is Ira N. McCloskey. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Most of the early settlers of the borough were Presby- 
terians, the Quigleys, Leitchs, Clarks, Fearons and Hayses, 
but they had no organized congregation here until about 
1868. Some associated themselves with the church at 
Jacksonville, Centre county, and others at Mill Hall; but 
they had preaching in the borough every four weeks for 
many years from the pastors of those two churches. The 
first preachers were : Daniel Barber, Samuel Cooper, William 
Gibson, from Jacksonville, and William Doolittle and others 
from Mill Hall. The church was organized in 1868, and 
for a time supported a pastor; Revs. Warrington, Vancickle 
Bunstein and Hawthorn up to 1881. Since that time the 
church has been associated with the church at Mill Hall. 

The congregation sustained and kept up a Sunday school 
ever since the organization of the church. The present 
superintendent is George D. Hess, who has been an active 
Sunday school worker ever since the organization of the 
school. 

The first school house erected within the limits of Beech 
Creek borough was a log building, erected on what is now 
called Leyden's Corner. In 1832, after the adoption of the 
public school system, another was erected at the west end 
of the borough. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 303 

In 1856 a graded school building was erected, and in 
1866 the house was remodeled and enlarged, and is still in 
use. 

The business of Beech Creek borough to-day is two shoe- 
maker shops, run by W. F. Berry and Jerome Antis; one 
meat market, conducted by Williams & Pollock; one sad- 
dler shop, run by James Pollock. 

The only hotel in the town is the Lingle house, kept by 
George W. Lingle. This house is well kept, and run on 
the temperance plan. Mr. Lingle also runs a livery, sale 
and exchange stable in connection with the hotel. 

The general merchandise business is carried on by John 
McGhee, George D. Hess, Albert Bergner, George Williams 
and Messrs. Mobley & Hall. 

The Beech Creek postofifice was established in 1832, with 
Michael Quigley as postmaster. The office was then called 
Quigley's Mills. The office was afterwards moved to Eagle- 
viile, and for a time Joseph Bomgardner was postmaster. 
In 1840 the office was returned to Beech Creek, and given 
its present name. Austin Leonard was then appointed 
postmaster, and the office was located in the store of George 
Furst. In 1853 Joseph Brownlee was appointed post- 
master. He held the office until 1861, when C. Bolmger 
became postmaster. He was succeeded by V. S. Smith, 
who in his turn was succeeded by C. R. Keyes. In 1888 M. 
L. Packer succeeded Mr. Keyes, and retained the office 
during the administration of President Cleveland. Mr. 
Packer resigned in favor of V. S. Smith, who held the office 
until he was succeeded by E. H. Hastings, present post- 
master. Mr. Hastings is a very courteous and popular gen- 
tleman, and makes one of the most efficient postmasters 
Beech Creek borough has ever had. 

For many years the town of Beech Creek flourished. 
The merchants did a rushing business. The failure of the 
lumber industry sadly effected the place, and to-day the 
town, while in a flourishing condition, is not what might be 
termed a business centre of any great importance. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



PROFESSOR ISAAC A. HARVEY, A. M. Ph. D. 

PROFESSOR ISAAC A. HARVEY was born iit Salona, Clinton 
county, Pa., November 30th, 1850. He is a son of the late Dr. 
George C. Harvey, and a brother of H. T. Harvey, Esq., of Look 
Haven. Professor Harvey received his early education in the schools of 
Lock Haven, his parents having moved to the town when he was but five 
years old. In 1868 he entered Bethany college, West Virginia, where he 
remained until he graduated, in 1872, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 
He next entered the law office of his brother, H. T. Harvey, where he re- 
mained until he completed his law studies, in 1874. Owing to ill-health 
he did not apply for admission to the bar. When the Central State 
Normal school was opened, in 1877, Professor Harvey was elected teacher 
of Greek, Latin, History and Literature. The following year he was ap- 
pointed professor of Latin and History in the Pennsylvania State college. 
Sickness prevented him from accepting th» position. He was offeied 
other positions in different educational institutions, but accepted none. 
In 1880 he was elected principal of the Beech Creek schools. In 1881 he 
was an unsuccessful candidate lor county superintendent. During the 
year 1881 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by Bethany 
college. About this time he began interesting himself in the geological 
profession, which he has followed up until the present time with the 
greatest success. In 1887 Butler university at Indianapolis confei-red upon 
him the degree of Ph. D., in recognition of his skill and reputation as a 
geologist. Professor Harvey was married in 1883 to Mary E. Devling, of 
Beech Creek. His reputation as a geologist has gone abroad, and his 
services have been required in other states and territories. His chief work 
in this state has been the locating of lire clay, iron ore and coal. On one 
occasion he spent several months in Sonora, Mexico, investigating the 
mineral wealth of that section. Professor Harvey is now a resident of 
Beech Creek, where he is highly respected. He is a trustee and elder in 
the Disciple church of Eagleville, and a school director of Beech Creek 
borough. 

WILLIAM MONTGOMERY. 

William Montgomery was born in Philadelphia, October 6th, 1815. 
He remained in Philadelphia until 1839. He then enlisted in the marine 
service of the United States, shipped aboard theman-ofwarBrandywine 
in July, 1840, and cruised in the Mediterranean sea for two years, Mor- 
rocco being their headquarters during the greater part of the time. The 
ports of London, Marsailles, Gibraltar, Naples, Genoa, Leghorn, Pompeii 




WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, 



Beech Creek, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 305 

and many others were visited. In 1843 Mr. Montgomery caine home, and 
was again sent to the Mediterranean, returning the same year. In 1848 
he received an honorable discharge. He then followed cabinet making 
until December, 1844, when he again entered the marine service, and was 
transferred to the sloop-of-war John Adams, and went to Pensecola and 
Vera Cruz. The John Adams cruised in the Gulf of Mexico until the 
breaking out of the Mexican war. At the time of the battle of Palo 
Alto the John Adams was within hearing of the sound of strife. The 
men were landed and sent to the assistance of General Taylor, When 
General Scott arrived before Vera Cruz Mr. Montgomery belonged to the 
division sent to assist in storming the fortifications surrounding the city. 
After the city was captured he was returned, with General Worth's com- 
pany, to the vessels, and for a time was under the command of Commo- 
dore Perry. After cruising for a time the yellow fever broke out in the 
John Adams, and the men were transferred to the Saratoga, and from 
there Mr. Montgomery was transferred to the gunboats. He was pro- 
moted to orderly sergeant and sent to Pensecola, and from thence to 
Washington, where he was discharged, August 6th, 1848. At the break- 
ing out of the Civil war he lived at Osceola, Pa. Although beyond the 
age military service was required, he enlisted in Captain Richards' 
company, Independent Cavalry. August 5th, 1861. After serving in this 
company until January, 1862, he was transferred to the 1st Pennsylvania 
Cavalry until June 6th of same year, when he was discharged on account 
of sickness. After recruiting his health he again enlisted, August Slh, 

1862, in Company H, 148th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He 
followed the fortunes of that company until February, 1863, when, by 
reason of disability, he was discharged. After returning home, and once 
more regaining his health, the echoes of Grant's campaign reached his 
ears. HI health, old age and all were forgotten, and August 27th, 1864, 
he once more enlisted in the same company he had left, February 28th, 

1863, and fought in its battles and endured its hardships until June 6th, 
1865, when he once more secured an honorable discharge and retired to 
private life. It would take a volume to give a complete sketch of the 
life of this veteran. Space only permits us to make but a slight mention 
of his military career. Mr. Montgomery now resides in Beech Creek. 
He is yet a hale old man. He is proud of his military life, as any man 
might be who can boast of such a record. Through all his stirring life 
he has never drank spirituous liquors or used tobacco in any form. 



JOHN McGHEB. 

John McGhee came to reside within what is now the borough of Beech 
Creek in 1848. The first two years he spent with D. W. Council as an 
apprentice to the shoemaking trade. After that he purchased the shop 
which was located where the dwelling house of Richard Berryhill now 
stands, and continued at the same business until 1863. In 1852 he pur- 
chased the first lot sold by Solomon Sti-ong, and in 1854 erected a dwell- 
ing house on the same, in which he still resides. He was elected one of 



306 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the Beech Creek auditors in 1851, and was one of the first auditors of 
Beech Creek township. He was continued in the auditor's office for 
fifteen years, and continued on after the borough was organized, in 18G9. 
He has held the offices of school director, overseer of the poor, town 
council and chief burgess at various times. Although never having the 
means or the opportunity of obtaining any education, except that which 
he picked up in a few months of common school, he has by close applica- 
tion obtained a fair education. At the age of about twenty-six years he 
was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected seven titles. In 18G3 he 
enlisted in the 183d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in Philadelphia, 
but could not pass the examination on account of defect in speech. In 
the same year he enlisted in the 38th Regiment of Pennsylvania Troops, 
and served until the emergency men were discharged. On April 1st, 
1866, he was appointed by Buckley, Saylor & Co., superintendent of all 
their logging operations, which position he held for over ten years. In 
the fall of 1881 he purchased the wood on 200 acres of land on Beech 
creek; put thirty men to cutting cord wood for charcoal, and by A\m], 
1882, had about 6,000 cords cut. He then commenced with fifteen men 
to burn the coal, and ten teams to haul, and by the close of the season of 
1882 had 209,000 bushels of coal delivered to the furnaces at Howard 
and ]Mill Hall. In 1885 he built a saw mill at Mill Hall, afterwards add- 
ing lath, paling and shingle machines to it, and in 1891 put in a box 
factory, and is now manufacturing all the boxes used by the axe factories 
at that place. He signed the pledge when the old Washingtonian Tem- 
perance organization was made in Beech Creek, and has been an active 
worker in the cause of temperance for over fifty years, and though ad- 
vanced in age, is still actively engaged in business. In 1890 Mr. McGhee 
was elected one of the county auditors, and remains in the position at the 

present time. 

GEORGE D. HESS. 

George D. Hess was born at Easton, Pa., May 28th, 1843. He received 
a common school education, and at the age of fifteen years accepted a 
clerkship in a grocery store, where he remained three years. From Eas- 
ton he went to Hickory Run, Carbon county. Pa., where, for two years, 
he was employed as book keeper by a lumber firm. He returned to Eas- 
ton, and at the time of Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania went out in the 
5th Regiment, Pennsylvania militia. He returned to Easton, and soon 
after came to Beech Creek. For a time he engaged in the lumber and 
mercantile business with the firm of Hess, Knecht & Miller, and after- 
wards continued in business with the firm of Furst, Hess & Co. For the 
past three years he has been doing business under his own name. George 
D. Hess was married, in 1868, to Annie Purst, daughter of George Furst, 
of Beech Creek. They have four children, three daughters and one son. 
Mr. Hess is a director of the Lock Haven Trust and Safe Deposit com- 
pany, and was for many years a director of the First National bank of 
Lock Haven. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, 
and has been superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school for the 
past fifteen years. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 307 

JOHN LIGGETT. 
.]ohn Liggett was born in Howai-d township, (now Liberty,) Centre 
county, Pa., April 2bth, 1834. After receiving a common school educa- 
tion he entered Dickinson seminary, where he received higher educational 
advantagt s. He also took a commercial course at Iron City college, 
Pittsbiirg, Pa. In 1856 he went to Ohio, where he remained two years; 
then returned to the east and followed farming and lumbering for ten 
years. He gave up farming in 18G8 and moved 10 Beech Creek town. 
From 1870 to 1875 he was engaged iu the mercantile business. Since 
1875 he has followed lumbering and contracting, one of his contracts 
being tlie building of the public road from Beech Creek to Renovo, in 
1887. In April, 1890, he was commissioned justice of the peace for the 
borough of Beech Creek. Mr. Liggett was married, December 25th, 
1857, to Hannah D. Longshore, of Nashville, Ohio. John Liggett is 
quite a hunter, and while enjoying this favorite sport has met with ac- 
cidents which, on two occasions, came near costing him his life. 



F. P. TREXLER. 
F. P. Trexler was born at Jersey Shore, Pa., July 13th, 1846. In 1852 
the Trexler family moved to Beech Creek, whei-e Mr. Trexler was edu- 
cated in the public schools. In 1862 he began an apprenticeship at tlie 
shoemaker trade with his father. Pe followed the trade for sixteen 
years. In 1878 he went to Ohio, but returned to Beech Creek in 1880. 
In 1882 he entered the store of Furst, Hess & Co., as clerk, and has held 
the position ever since. Mr. Trexler was married in August, 1867, to 
Clara Burchard, of Rathbonville, Steuben county, N. Y. His wife died in 
1868, and in July, 1870, he was again married to Josephine Stout, of 
Beech Creek. F. P. Trexler is a prominent Democrat. He has frequently 
been requested to become a candidate for sheriii, and on one occasion did 
allow his name to be used, but withdrew before the nomination. He has 
been school director for the borough of Beech Creek two terras, and a 
member of council one term. 



JAMES CLARK. 
'Squire James Clark was born in what is now Beech Creek borough, 
July 26th, 1821. He received his education in the common schools of 
that day. During the early part of his life he followed farming. At the 
age of twenty years he studied surveying, an occupation he has followed 
ever since. In 1862 he was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected 
every five .years since. Mr. Clark was married, in 1850, to Rebecca Ann 
Quiggle, a daughter of Nicholas Quiggle, of Beech Creek township. 
They have had seven children, four sons and three daughters, all living. 
His sons are William Q., Robert H., Harry B. and James M. Clark. 
His daughters are Frances E., Josephine and Carrie B. William Q. and 
Frances E, are married. 'Squire Clark has been chief burgess of Beech 
Creek borough for the past ten years. His father was William Clark, 
who settled in what is now Beech Creek township over one century ago. 



308 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

J. S. HALL. 

J. S. Hall was born in Beech Creek township, in 1852. He is a son of 
Samuel Hall. After receiving a good common school education he en- 
tered ihe Millersville Normal school, where he remained three years. 
He entered the mercantile business in 1874, at Beech Creek, and followed 
the said business until 1881. He then engaged as traveling salesman for 
Landis & Co., of Philadelphia, and has been in the employ of that firm 
ever since. Mr. Hall was married in March, 1875, to Sarah B. Owens, of 
Birmingham, Pa. He has filled the various offices of the borough at 
different times, and is at present a progressive member of the school 
board. Politically he is a Republican. He is a prominent member of 
the I. 0. 0. F., and a useful citizen of the town of Beech Creek. 



H. H. MOTHERSTAUGH, M. D. 

Dr. H. H. Motherstaugh was born January 22d, 1841, at Holidajs- 
burg, Blair county, Pa. When but a child the family moved to Lewis- 
town, Pa., where the subject of this sketch received his early education. 
He afterwards attended the Pine Grove Mills academy, and received higher 
educational training at the Pennsylvania State college. In 1874 he read 
medicine with Dr. C. W. Fisher, of Boalsburg, after which he entered the 
University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and graduated from there in 
March, 1877, and located at Beech Creek the same year. Dr. Mothers- 
taugh was married September, 1878, to Susan Hartswick, of Boalsburg, 
Pa. He is the father of two childi'en. He has been a prominent resident 
of Beech Creek since 1877, and is at present the leading physician in the 
town. He has held the various oflices of the borough at different times, 
and was for twelve years a member of the school board. He is a man of 
progressive ideas, and during the time he filled the latter position he did 
much to raise the standard of the schools of Beech Crock borough. 



M" 



MILL HALL BOROUGH. 

LL HALL borough is situated at nearly the south- 
east end of Bald Eagle township, on both sides of 
Fishing creek, about one and one-half miles from its 
mouth. The first settler of whom we have any note was 
the pioneer Nathan Harvey, who came from the vicinity of 
Philadelphia in 1798, and built a log cabin where the Mill 
Hall drug store now stands. Mr. Harvey, recognizing the 
importance of the site, being the outlet of two valleys, in 
1804 built the stone mill, which still stands at the southern 
end of town, and in 1805 laid out the town, with Fishing 
creek traversing it from south to north, and the Main 
street was surveyed along the line of the old Juniata war 
trail, which crossed the country from the headquarters o' 
the Juniata river to the mouth of Fishing creek. He named 
it Mill Hall. Shortly after Mr. Harvey's arrival Saul Mc- 
Cormick came, and in 1806 erected the stone building on 
the east side of Main street, now occupied by G. W. Bar- 
nett as a bakery, restaurant and residence. Mr. McCor- 
mick used it many years for a store in the early part of the 
century. After laying out the town Mr. Harvey built a 
saw mill, blacksmith shop, store, hotel and dwelling. He 
had the only mill in this section of the state, and parties 
brought grain to it for a distance of thirty miles. 

The blast furnace that still stands on the commons north 
of the town was built in 1827, the same parties building a 
forge in the narrows, south of the town. The furnace has 
been run at intervals since that time, but never proved a 
success financially, the parties who have operated it being 
invariably sold out by the sheriff in the course of a few 
years. The ore which was procured from the Bald Eagle 
mountains, close at hand, does not appear to be rich enough 



3IO PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

to pay for reduction to iron, and shipping ore in from other 
points has proved too expensive. The forge was sold by 
the sheriff with the furnace the first time, the site finally 
coming into the hands of Robert Mann, who built an axe 
factory, which is still in successful operation. 

About the time the furnace and forge were built Saul 
McCormick erected a saw mill near the forge, on the oppo- 
site side of the creek, and a starch factory on the hill, back 
of where the late S. R. Stover lived. It was converted into 
a tannery in 1852. The woolen factory was built in the 
year 1833, and burned down in the year 1845, while owned 
by Saul McCormick, and leased to William Lee. It was 
rebuilt at once and burned again in 1863, rebuilt in 1864 
and burned down the third time June 24th, 1882, being 
then owned by Robert Mann, and operated by F. M. Welsh. 
It was quite a loss to the town, as Mr. Welsh was working 
about fifteen men when it was destroyed. 

A saw mill was built by George Bressler in the year 181 5, 
where the lower axe factory now stands. A clover mill was 
built near it by Saul McCormick, and a foundry erected on 
the same property. They all finally proved unprofitable, 
and the property was sold to George S. Garth, who leased 
it to the Diamond Cement company, who manufactured 
cement from stone brought from the farm of James Snod- 
grass, in Nittany valley. The panic of 1873 stopped the 
sale of cement to the railroads, and the business was sus- 
pended, and the property afterwards sold to Robert Mann. 
He and his eldest son, Thomas R., started the only factory 
in the United States for the manufacture of double-bitted 
axes exclusively. 

The manufacture of axes is the principal industry of Mill 
Hall. Robert Mann settled here in 1848. The first factory 
was built by Saul McCormick on the site of the forge in 
the narrows. In connection with Mr. Mann the business 
was conducted under the firm name of R. Mann & Co., 
until the death of Mr. McCormick, in 1857. Mr. Mann 
began the business by the manufacture of twenty axes per 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 3 1 I 

day, and brought his material from and hauled his product to 
Lewistown, Mifflin county, his nearest railroad shipping 
point. The history of the increase of his business is the 
history of the town. The factory was enlarged in 1854, in 
1863, and again in 1876. On September nth, 1877, it was 
totally destroyed by fire. Plans were immediately perfected 
by Mr. Mann for rebuilding, and by April, 1878, the new 
and enlarged factory was in operation. And, as arranged 
since, the lower factory was built below the town. The 
upper or original factory makes only single-bitted axes, and 
has a capacity of 800 axes per day, and employs about 
seventy-five men. The lower factory makes double-bitted 
axes exclusively, having a capacity of 400 axes per day, and 
employs sixty-five men. The old grist mill is now being 
used for polishing and packing their goods, an addition 
having been built to it for grinding and tempering. Mr. 
Mann associated with him his sons, T. R., A. C, J. R. and 
R. Mann, Jr., as they got old enough to take part in his 
business. He has now retired from the active management. 
The factories were both merged into the American Axe 
and Tool company a few years since, with the main office in 
New York, and A. C. Mann was made superintendent of 
the upper or single-bit factory, and R. Mann, Jr., superin- 
tendent of the lower or double-bit factory. 

The feed cutter and wagon shops of George S. Garth & 
Sons are the next manufactory of importance. Mr. Garth, 
Sr., was born in Philadelphia, and came to Mill Hall in 1845 
or 1846, and soon after he bought the Island north of town 
from George Fredericks, who then owned the saw mill and 
clover mill property adjoining, and banked it up and im- 
proved it, putting thereon a dwelling and several shops, 
The floods of 1847, 1865, and, worst of all, 1889, washing 
away the banks, carrying lumber, vehicles, and, everything 
that would float away, disheartened him, but he had the 
pluck to repair the damage, pocket his loss and go on again, 
and is still on the Island. The}' now employ ten men, and 
their "Try Me" feed cutters have a large sale. 



312 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The other industries are : General stores, A. B. Garth 
& Co., and Freeman Brady ; groceries, J. E. Calderwood, 
S. A. Wilt, A. C. Kauffrtian, Smith Marshall and Koble & 
Murray, the latter also being butchers; butcher, Daniel 
Snyder; furniture manufacturer, E. H. Bartholomew; handle 
factory, D. L. Chandler; foundry, Philip Berry; notions, 
photographer and barber, Sylvester Brady; barber, Joseph 
Bartholomew; physician. Dr. J. B. McCloskey ; coal dealers, 
Mann & Bailey and J. S. Hill; hotels, (both temperance,) 
Shaffer house, C. H. Lundy ; Wilt house, S. A. Wilt ; both ho- 
tels have liveries attached; postmaster, William T. Crispen ; 
assistant, Grant Crispen ; one saddler shop, run by William 
Clark. 

The borough of Mill Hall was incorporated by the court 
February i6th, 1849, and the first borough election held 
April 28th following : 

The officers elected were: Chief burgess, William Smith; 
council, Dr. John C. King, H. R. Williams, S. H. Hunter, 
Jonathan Bennison and Robert Hurd ; assessor, David Mc- 
Cormick ; high constable, Isaac Dittsworth ; borough con- 
stable, David Logan; overseers of the poor, James Coffee 
and Samuel Calderwood; treasurer, David Clark; clerk, 
John Weaver. 

The officers for 1892 are: Chief burgess, George W. Win- 
ner; council, Elias Koble, John Kryder, William Tevling and 
Daniel Wolf; clerk, W. H. Rosser. 

The first school was opened about 18 10, with George 
Bressler as master, in an old log house near where the 
Beech Creek railroad crosses the turnpike, below town. 
The next school house was built about 1837, and the 
present building in 1873 It is a fine building, well fur- 
nished, and the three grades are in separate rooms, and are 
provided with good teachers. 

The Mill Hall Fire Brick company is at this time just 
opening up its recent purchase of fire clay east of the 
town. It promises to be of great benefit to the town, as 
the company will employ a large' number of hands. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 313 

The town is well supplied with shipping facilities. The 
Bald Eagle Valley railroad was built through or near the 
town in 1865, and the Beech Creek railroad in 1883; the 
competition of the two roads giving the town unusually- 
good rates for so small a place, and the fact that nearly all 
the goods manufactured are shipped, gives the railroads 
enough business to make them give good rates to and from 
the town. 

BALD EAGLE AND NITTANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Bald Eagle and Nittany Presbyterian church was or- 
ganized as a separate congregation May 7th, 1856, Up 
to this time it was part of the Great Island church of Lock 
Haven, and one pastor preached in Lock Haven and Mill Hall. 

The first church building was erected in 1840, on a lot 
purchased from Charlotte Barnet, of Lancaster. It was of 
brick, and was a very fair building in its day. It was oc- 
cupied by the congregation up to the time of the great flood 
of June, 1889, which completely wrecked it. It was then 
pulled down, (having been occupied almost fifty years,) and 
a neat modern structure of brick and slate erected on the 
sight which it now stands, and is an ornament to the town. 

The pastors since the organization of the church have 
been Revs. Henry L. Doolittle, the first one called after 
separation from the Great Island church in 1856; W. G. E. 
Agnew, George Warrington, L. L. Haughawaut, William 
A. Jenks and S. W. Pomeroy, the latter having served the 
congregation since January ist, 18S6, and it was largely 
through his efforts that the new church was built after the 
flood. He is an indomitable worker, never resting until 
he has accomplished his purpose. 

The ruling elders for 1 892 are : Andrew White. Archibald 
Allison, William Hayes and Charles Kyle; trustees, James 
Taylor, president; Alfred C. Mann, secretary and treasurer ; 
Robert H. Furst, Hugh W. Garth and Abbott B. Garth. 

There is also a flourishing Sunday school, of which 
Abbott B. Garth is superintendent, 
21 



314 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Methodist Episcopal congregation erected the first 
church building in the town in 183 1. It was of stone, and 
stood well up on the hill south of the borough. 

Their second edifice, built in 1854, of wood and stone, 
two stories, is on the east side of Water street. It has lately 
been thoroughly repaired and painted, and is now a very 
pleasant place to worship. 

The present pastor is Rev. J. I. Reeser, who fills three 
appointments in addition to Mill Hall, to wit: Wayne, Pine 
and Laurel Run, in Bald Eagle township. Its trustees are 
George W. Winner, president; M. P. Stiver, secretary; E. 

E. Flanigan, treasurer; Jesse Fox, Huston Bres.sler, James 
W. Elder, John S. Flanigan, W. J. Eddy and George W 
Hall. 

The Methodists have much the larger number of mem- 
bers who live in the town, and have a large and prosperous- 
Sunday school, of which George W. Winner is superin- 
tendent. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH (dISCIPLEs). 

The Christian Church (Disciples) have had an organiza- 
tion here since 1878, and Mr. Freeman Brady, the most in- 
fluential member, has built them a hall over his store room, 
in which they worship. They are not, however, satisfied 
with their accommodations, and have purchased a lot, for- 
merly occupied by the axe factory, of Rosser Brothers, 
which was burned several years since, and are now taking 
up a subscription to build a church thereon. 

MILL HALL BRICK WORKS. 

The company running these works was organized in 
April, 1892. 

Its officers are: J. W. Smith, Lock Haven, president; 

F. J. Torbert, Jersey Shore, vice president ; J. S. Hanna, 
Lock Haven, secretary and treasurer. Its directors are : 
W. H. Brown, K. D. Smith, J. W. Smith, Ira H. Smith, 
Jvock Haven, and P>ank J. Torbert, Jersey Shore. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 315 

The main office of the company is at Lock Haven, with 
a branch office at Mill Hall. 

The industry is located between the Bald Eagle Valley 
and the Beech Creek railroads. The capacity of the works 
is 30,000 bricks per day. About thirty persons are given 
steady employment. Paving and fire brick manufactured. 



HOTELS AND ORGANIZATIONS. 



WILT UOUSE. 

TRK Wilt house was opened by M. B. Wilt, April 1st, 1890. It is a 
frame structure, containing eighteen rooms, with accommodations 
for thirty guests. The Wilt house is one of the best kept country 
hotels in the county. A first-class livery is connected with the hotel. 

SHAFFER HOUSE. 

The Shaffer house is kept by C. H. Luiidy, who took charge of the 
house April 1st, 1893. This hotel is built of brick. It contains seven- 
teen rooms, with accommodations for about twenty-five guests. C. H. 
Lundy runs a first-class livery, sale and exchange stable in connection 
with the hotel. 

PLEASANT VALLEY CASTLE, NO. 301, K. G. E. 

Pleasant Valley castle. No. 301, K. G. E., was instituted February 
15th, 1889, with thirty-five members. The following officers were installed : 
N. C, J. F. Murray; P. C, E. E. Flanigan ; V. C, James Murray; 11. P., 
T. J. Iliekoff; V. H., J. H. Eckley; M. of R., J. D. Miller; C. of E., J. 
W. Stover; K. of K., T. N. Custard; S. H., M. W. Irvin; W. B., Harry 
Switzer; W. C, Orin Walker; Ens.. H. H. Irvin; Esq., W. H. Winner; 
1st G., H. Stringfellow; 3d G., J. H. Bower. At the time and for some 
time after institution the castle met in Mann's hall. In the fall of 1889 
they moved into Walker's hall. This order has greatly increased in 
numbers, having at this time a membership of over 100. The castle 
meets on Friday evening of each week, and visiting sir knights will 
always find the latch-string on the outside. The officers are as follows: 
P. C, J. C. Winner; N. C, I. G. Winner; V. C, R. B. Bollinger; S. 
H., E. B. Bridgens; V. H., J. H. Eckley; H. P., W. A. Flanigan; M. of 
R., T. J. HickofE; C. of E., Grant Crispen; K. of E., J. P. Murray; W. 
B., John RofE; W. C, ti. L. Crispen; Ens., T. J. Kissinger; Esq., G. C. 
Snyder; 1st G., R. J. McOlenahan; 3d G., J. A. Bridgens; representa- 
tive to grand castle, J. H. Bower; trustees, H. L. Crispen, 0. P. Walker, 
J. A. Bridgens. 



3l6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

LODGE NO. 337, P. O. S. OF A. 

Lodge No. 337, P. 0. S. of A., was instituted June 21st, 1888, with 
the following officers: Past president, G. W. Winner; president, J. W. 
Crispen; vice president, E. S. Koble; recording secretary, H. E. Brady; 
assistant secretary, W. J. Eckley; conductor, John Mackey; masler of 
forms and ceremonies, James W. Elder; financial secretary, Henry Bar- 
tholomew; treasurer, Moses Bennett ; chaplain, James H. Welsh. 

The present officers are: Past president, A. T. Palmer; president, 
Charles Ilarlemau; vice president, George T. Bartholomew; recording 
secretary, Sutton Kreidier; assistant secretary, W. S. Chatam; financial 
secretary, William Hunter; treasurer, James W. Eldred; master of forms 
and ceremonies, William Dalton; conductor, John Richie; inspector, 
William Emert; guard, John Kreidier; chaplain. William J. Karstetter. 
This order meets every Thursday evening, and has a present membership 
of fifty-three. 

MILL HALL LODGE, NO. 131, I. O. G. T. 

Mill Hall lodge. No. 131, Independent Order Good Templars, was insti- 
tuted March 15th, 1890. The first officers were: W. H. Winner, chief 
templar; Minnie Winner, vice templar; John Karstetter, recording sec- 
retary; Sutton Kreidier, assistant secretary; Y. C. Winnei-, financial 
secretary; Sutton Kreidier, treasurer; W. D. Harleman, chaplain; E. 
Bartholomew, marshal; C. T. Harleman, guard; C. T. Harleman, sen- 
tinel; C. T. Harleman, lodge deputy. 

The present officers are: T. J. Reeser, chief templar; Tillie Elder, vice 
templar; Sutton Kreidier, recording secretary; Delia Eddy, assistant 
secretary; William Elder, financial secretary; E. Walker, treasurer; 
Sadie Bressler, chaplain; George Snyder, marshal; Mattie Crispen, dep- 
uty marshal; Mamie Elder, guard; C. T. Harleman, sentinel; J. H. 
Bowers, lodge deputy. The Independent Order Good Templars meets 
every Monday evening, in Walker's hall. Present membership, fifty. 

AXE makers' band. 

The Axe Makers' band, of Mill Hall, was organized September 23d, 
1887, with sixteen members. At the first meeting the following officers 
were elected: President, T. J. Hickoff; vice president, J. F. Murray; 
secretary, A. E. Rosser; treasurer, Tliomas R. Mann. On November 
18th, 1887, they received from C. G. Conn a full set of his celebrated 
" Wonder" instruments. They secured the service of Professor George 
A. Miller, of Lock Haven, as instructor, and made their first appearance 
in public April 26th, 1888, when they accompanied the 1. 0. 0. F., of 
Lock Haven, to Williamsport. The membership has varied from 16 to 35 
The band is as finely equipped as any similar organization in the state, 
having fine instruments, uniforms and a very handsome wagon. 

The present officers are: President, J. H. Bower; vice president, J. 
H. Carstater; secretary, T. J. Hickoff; treasurer, J. F. Murray; leader, 
Harry Sweitzer; managers, J. B. Crispen, George Herr. The l^and meets 
Monday and Tuesday nights of each week, in Mann's hall. The present 
membership is seventeen. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 317 

BIOGRAPHY. 



WILLIAM H. ROSSER. 

WILLIAM H. ROSSER was born in Blossburg, Pa., September 24th, 
1840; came to Clinton county when but a child, and spent his 
boyhood days on a farm in Bald Eagle township. lie was edu- 
cated in the common schools, is now a resident of Mill Hall, and has been 
an acting justice of the peace for the past twenty years. Mr. Rosser 
was married, September 23d, 18GL to Henrietta C. Renther, of Salona, 
Pa. Three days later he enlisted in Company C, 53d Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, and served until discharged, for reason of disability, 
in September, 1862. In 1864 he embarked in the coach-making business, 
at Lock Haven. In the fall of 1866 he accepted a position in the iron 
department at the wagon works of Garth & Sons, at Mill Hall. He 
retained the position until 1883, when, in company with his brothers, 
John 0. and Titus, Mr. Rosser began the manufacture of axes and tools, 
under the firm name of Rosser Brothers, continuing successfully in this 
business for three years, when their works were totally destroyed by fire. 
Since that time Mr. Rosser has not been actively engaged in any business. 
In 1886 he was a candidate for nomination for the office of associate judge, 
but, although receiving a flattering support, he failed in the nomination. 
Mr. Rosser has always taken active interest in politics, always as a Dem- 
ocrat. He is also a writer of some ability. For more than twenty years 
he has held the position of an elder in the Church of Christ, and is held 
in esteem by that body of people. His family consists of Mrs. Rosser 
and three living children, Dr. 0. H. Rosser, of Renovo, George M., an 
operator and agent in the employ of the Beech Creek I'ailroad at Kerr- 
moor, Pa., both of whom are married, and the youngest, Jesse B., who is 
yet at home. 



WESTPORT. 



THE village of Westport is located on the West Branch 
of the Susquehanna. It is divided into two parts by 
Kettle creek. The first settlement in the valley, now em- 
braced in Westport, was made about the time of the Revo- 
lution or shortly after, on the north side of Kettle creek, 
and near its mouth, by Richard Gilmore. The pre-emption 
warrant is dated July 2ist, 1785, in Pine Creek township, 
Northumberland county, for 300 acres more or less. R. 
Gilmore deeded the same to William McCombe October 
1 2th, 1793, in Pine Creek township, Northumberland 
county, for the consideration of £^0 in gold, and Wil- 
liam McCombe deeded the same to William Andrews, 
dated May 3d, 1794, for the consideration of ^^"260 in 
crold and silver, and William Andrews deeded the same to 
James Caldwell, dated January 23d, 1796, in consideration 
of one yoke of oxen, one milch cow, and £gS in gold and 
silver. 

James Caldwell, a Revolutionary soldier, located at the 
mouth of Kettle creek about 1 807, and on the land which 
had been abandoned by Gilmore- The land on both sides 
of the creek stood thick with pine timber, and there was 
not one settlement at that time in what is now Leidy town- 
ship. Isaac Herring had cleared some five acres on the 
south side of the creek, on the flat where C. R. Noyes now 
resides. The first house was built by Mr. Caldwell, and 
was of round logs. It stood on the ground now occupied 
by the M. E. church and the M. T. McCloskey house. He 
afterwards built a better house near where the north end of 
the railroad bridge now stands. Mr. Caldwell and his wife 
planted the orchard in 1807; many of the trees are still 
standing. They also kept a nursery of small trees, from 
which they supplied their neighbors. The property of Mr. 




CHARLES R. NOYES, 
Westport, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 3I9 

Caldwell, at' the mouth of Kettle creek, at his death, fell 
into the possession of his sons, John and Andrew. John 
owned the portion on the south or upper side of the creek, 
and Andrew that on the opposite. In 1848 John sold his 
to Norman Butler, of Montgomery county, and moved West, 
and in 1854 Mr. Butler sold to Colonel A. C. Noyes, of New 
Hampshire, who came to Cameron county, Pa., in 1847, and 
to Westport in 1849. ^^ rented a room from Mr. Butler 
and started a store. 

The first post office was established at the mouth of Kettle 
creek about 1847 or 1848. A. O. Caldwell was appointed 
postmaster. The name of the office was Kettle Creek. This 
office was eventually discontinued, leaving the place with- 
out an office for over a year, the nearest office being Cook's 
Run. Mr. Butler had the Westport office established Oc- 
tober 22d, 1850. The name was suggested by him, and he 
was appointed postmaster, henct the origin of the name of 
Westport. 

The first mail route established from Westport up Kettle 
creek to connect with the Jersey Shore and Coudersport 
pike was in 1851, by the influence of A. O. Caldwell, who 
had the contract for carrying the mail. 

When Mr. Butler sold out to Colonel Noyes, C. R. 
Noyes received the appointment of postmaster, April 
1st, 1855, which office he held for over thirty-six years. 
Mr. W. C. Werts is the present postmaster, having suc- 
ceeded Mr. Noyes July ist, 1891. 

A. O. Caldwell rented his property (that which lays on 
the north side of the creek) to John Werts, of Lewisburg, 
Union county, in 1836, for a period of five years. Mr. 
Caldwell then lived in the old hewed-log house built by his 
father. John Werts moved into this house with his family, 
worked the farm, lumbered and sold goods, which was the 
first regular store kept in the place. John Caldwell also 
kept a small store, and from 1838 to 1840 Reber&Musser, of 
Lewisburg, kept a store. After Mr. Caldwell had rented to 
Mr. Werts, he built a hotel, or rather a dwelling house, in 



320 PAST AND PRESENt OF CLINTON COUNtY. 

the first place, but subsequently turned it into a hotel. This 
was in the years 1836 and 1837. Mr. Caldwell rented this 
hotel to Edward Shultz, who did business here when Gov- 
ernor Ritner was digging the old canal. John Green, of 
Lock Haven, kept it at one time, and Abner McCloskey, 
Esq., from the year 1841 to 1844. It was purchased by 
Stephen Werts, who kept one of the best hotels on the river 
during a period of twenty years. 

Nelson George, of Lock Haven, had his stage office at 
this house for several years ; and when the Philadelphia & 
Erie railroad was completed to Westport, in the fall of 1862, 
the revolution which followed in travel rendered it neces- 
sary to abandon this as a hotel stand. This old hotel was 
burned February, 1870. 

In 1857 and 1858 John L. Proctor built a hotel in West- 
port, on the north bank of the creek, which he kept for two 
or three years. When Stephen Werts removed from the 
old hotel, he rented this hotel of Mr. Proctor and kept it 
over two years. 

In 1866 J. M. Robbins purchased the property of Mr. 
Proctor, and moved into it February, 1867, and kept it until 
it was burned, September, 1873. W. C. Werts' store was 
consumed at the same time. This building also belonged 
to Mr. Robbins. He shortly afterwards commenced the 
erection of the Westport house, which was completed dur- 
ing the winter of 1873 and 1874. 

In 1866 Mr. Werts built a fine house opposite the Phila- 
delphia & Erie depot, which he used as a hotel, store and 
dwelling. His wife died September, 1867. In 1870 he 
rented the property to H. Whitcomb, and moved to Charles- 
ton, W. Va. In the fall of the same year he sold the house 
and adjoining lots to John S. Bailey, which building Mr. 
Bailey used for mercantile business, and for a time as a 
hotel. In July, 1875, he sold the property and store to J. 
H. Ryan and O. M. Montgomery. It remained in their 
possession for two years, and was then sold to the Noyes 
Brothers, and near the close of 1877 ^r. Bailey rented the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 32 1 

premises and resumed the mercantile business, and finally 
purchased the place fi-om the Noyes heirs. 

About the year i860 G. W. Drake built a hotel, which 
he named the Alpine house, and kept it for about fifteen 
years. It is now owned by G. VV. Armstrong, and used as 
a dwelling house. 

In 1865 L. G. Huling and son built a store house on a 
corner lot adjoining the Alpine house, and engaged in the 
mercantile and lumbering business until the spring of 1869, 
when they sold out to W. C. Kepler and W. A. Brooks. 
These parties carried on the store business for about two 
years. Then it changed into the hands of J. D. L. Smith, 
who conducted it a year or more, and it finally passed into 
the hands of J. B. Saltsman. 

Mr. A. O. Caldwell in i860 laid out a portion of his farm 
in lots. The Philadelphia & Erie railroad company com- 
menced negotiating about that time for the purchase of the 
property for the building of their machine shops. On ac- 
count of the high price asked, no sale was effected. Mr. 
Caldwell afterwards sold to the Noyes Brothers, and they 
continued the sale of lots, and in a few years the town had 
made considerable improvements in number of buildings. 
It also increased in population. 

The village has one church, Methodist, built in 1866. 
The first minister was J. L. Chandler. The first school was 
built in 1853, and the first teacher was a Mr. Shoemaker. 
The first shoemaker shop was started by A. R. McDurrald 
in i860, and one of the first blacksmiths was old Harry 
Bowman. Norman Butler had a smithshop in his time, and 
Charles Crapps did the smithing and Tom Getter the tink- 
ering. N. P. Clendennen succeeded Samuel Knepley. W. 
G. Caldwell also does a good business in the same line, and 
has a carriage and wagon-making shop in connection with 
his business. 

The main building of the present school house was erected 
in 1876, under charge of W. T. McCloskey, and was con- 
sidered at that time a commodious and convenient structure 



32^ Past and present of clInton countV. 

for the purpose, but in a few years a graded school was 
found to be necessary, and a new building was added to the 
first one, furnishing a large and spacious room for a primary 
department. 

The corner stone of the Lumberman's Bethel church was 
laid Saturday evening, June 19th, 1886, the Rev. Cook, 
Presbyterian minister of Renovo, conducted the ceremonies. 
The Independent band and many Renovo people were 
present. A small box, containing a Bible, copies of the 
Renovo Evening Nezvs and Renovo Record, minutes of 
building committee, notes, one dollar in money, and names 
of subscribers were placed in the corner stone. The church 
was completed during the summer and fall, and has a seat- 
ing capacity of 250. It is designed for the use of any 
Christian denomination, but down to the present time only 
the Presbyterians have occupied it, Rev. Cook having ser- 
vices here once a week. 

The first bridge that spanned Kettle creek at Westport 
was erected by the county in 1852, and the first railroad 
bridge, within a few feet of the former, was built in 1859. 
The two were carried away, simultaneously, almost, by the 
flood of March 17th, 1865. This flood did immense damage 
to the people of Westport. The two bridges were replaced 
by new ones the ensuing spring, rendering good service up 
until the June flood of 1889, when the county bridge was 
torn from its foundations. This flood, perhaps the highest 
since Noah's time, wrought destruction and desolation to 
the people of Westport. No human lives were lost, but in 
the loss of houses, barns, fences, out-buildings, fruit and or- 
namental trees, merchandise, household goods, lands, public 
roads and lumber, many of these losses are irreparable. 
The sworn statements, made by parties in this township who 
sustained damage and loss of property, amounted to over 
$46,000. The greater part of this was lost by the people 
of Westport. Most all applied to the state for relief, and 
some twenty-five of the Westport families received it in small 
sums of ;^25, ;^30,;^40, $50 and $60, amounting in allto;^8i5. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 323 

Westport is the centre of a lumbering and mining region, 
and the natural outlet of the Kettle creek valley. The 
valley of this stream is some forty miles in length, contains 
a population of over i.oco, and hundreds of millions of 
lumber, principally hemlock and hard wood, and thousands 
of acres of rich improved lands. Bituminous coal abounds 
in vast quantities in the mountains near this place. The 
mines at Bitumen have been in successful operation for 
three or four years. They are distant by wagon road about 
three and a half miles, and by the way the crow flies, two 
miles. There is said to be hundreds of acres of good fire 
clay in a short distance of this place. Westport is easy ef 
access by railroad, as the Philadelphia & Erie traverses 
through the middle of the village. The railroad freight 
traffic is quite considerable at this point. The company de- 
livered over 1,500 tons during the year 1891. The greater 
part of this is hauled up the valley of Kettle Creek to dif- 
ferent points. 



PROMINENT MEN OF WESTPORT. 



CHARLES R. NOYES. 

CHARLES R. NOYES was born in Grafton county, N. H., January 
5th, 1829. He received his education in the public schools, and at 
the Newbury Methodist academy in the state of Vermont. He 
came to Westport in 1850, and joined his brother. Colonel A. C. Noyes, 
who was in the mercantile business. He acted as clerk until 1854, when 
he became a partner in the business. In 1859 the two brothers took and 
completed a contract for building nine miles of the Philadelphia & Erie 
railroad, after which they turned their attention to lumbering, in which 
Charles R. Noyes is still engaged. For a time he was a member of Hunt's 
Run Lumbering company, and also a member of the firm of Cargkaddon 
& Co. Mr. Noyes is also largely engaged in farming, and owns, besides 
his beautiful farm on the river flats, several hundred acres of fine farming 
land on the higher lands several miles from Westport. Li 1890 he was a 
candidate for county treasurer on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated 
for the nomination by S. Woods Caldwell. He was postmaster at West- 
port from 1854 to July, 1891. He has filled the various township offices at 



^24 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

di£Eerent times, and on several occasions has been a delegate to the state 
convention at Harrisburg. Charles R. Noyes was married, July 4th, 1865, 
to Mary A. Herman, a daughter of Michael and Christiana Herman. 
Their children are Hattie, Martha, Edward, Nellie, Bessie, Hannah and 
Daisy. The two first named graduated at the Central State Normal 
school in 188G. Harry, the youngest son of the family, died in December, 
1880, and Edward, the other son, is at present assistant station agent at 
Westport. 



JOHN S. BAILEY. 

John S. Bailey was born March 3d, 1830, at Brown's Mills, nowReeds- 
ville, Mifflin county. Pa. He came to Clinton county in 1855. After his 
arrival he taught school for a time, and then entered Millersville Normal 
school, where he remained one term. After teaching for several terms 
he entered Dickinson seminary, whore he spent nearly one year. He 
then returned to Westport, where he clerked in the hotel and store of 
Stephen Werts until 1864, when he was employed by A. C. Noyes & 
Brother, as clerk and acting agent of the Philadelphia & Erie railroad. 
Mr, Bailey has been a resident of Westport ever since. He entered the 
mercantile business in 1865, and has followed the business continuously 
since 1877. He had charge of the postoffiee for a period of over eleven 
years, from December, 1877, to January 1st, 1889, when he resigned in 
favor of the late Colonel H. M. Bossert. He still holds the office of jus- 
tice of the peace, to which he was elected in 1875. He served as school 
director from 1877 until 1886. He has served as treasurer of the school 
board for nearly fifteen years. ,In 1884 he was elected a member of the 
Democratic state committee, in which capacity he represented the De- 
mocracy of Clinton county one year. Mr. Bailey is a great traveler. 
During the winter of 1891 and 1892 he spent several months in the West 
India Islands, and wrote many interesting letters to the newspapers of 
Clinton county. 



J. L. EMERY. 

J. L. Emery was born in Fairfield, Maine, March 2d, 1848. His father, 
George Emery, moved with his family to Pennsylvania in 1851. Mr. 
Emery received his education in the " Old White School House," at Lock 
Haven. After leaving school he worked with his father until 1872, when 
he started in the lumber business for himself at Benezette, Elk county, 
Pa. He left there and moved to Cook's Run, Clinton county, in 1878. 
In 1880 he located at Westport, where he still resides. Mr. Emery was 
married, March 15th, 1872, to Jennie C. Freeman, of Cameron county. 
They have eight children living and one dead. In 1886 Mr, Emery built 
himself a handsome residence at the upper end of the village of Westport, 
which he now occupies. He has for several years been engaged in 
lumbering on Kettle creek and Cook's run. 




cIOHN S. BAILEY, 



Westport, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, 325 

J. N. EDWARDS. 

J. N. Edwards, station agent for tlie Philadeliihia & Eric railroad com- 
pany, at Westport, was born in Rcadinir, Pa., August 5th, 1849. He was 
educated in the public schools of Philadelphia. In 1865 he entered the 
telegraph office at Bethlehem, Pa., where he remained two years. He 
was then appointed ticket agent on the North Penn railroad, a position 
he held for nine years. He next went to Warren, Pa., where he spent 
several years as reporter for the Bradford Era and TMu^yxWe Herald. In 
1881 he was appointed operator at Howards, Cameron county, and in 1883 
he came to Westport, where he filled a similar position until April, 1893, 
when he was appointed station agent and given charge of the Westport 
office. Mr. Edwards was married in December, 1871, to Clara Swartz, of 
Allentown, Pa. Mr. Edwards is a member of the Independent Order of 
Good Templars, and one of the Colonel Noyes castle, Knights of the 
Golden Eagle. 



O. GOODMAN. 

O. Goodman was born in York county. Pa., in 1847. He came to 
Clinton county in 1805, and started a store at Hammersley's Forks, 
where he remained in business until 1883, when he moved to Westport. 
Mr. Goodman was educated in the public schools, and at Dickinson 
seminary, Williamsport, Pa. He was married in 1867 to Alzina Cald- 
well, of Cumberland Valley. They have two sons. 



W. C. WERTS. 

W. C. Werts, present postmaster of Westport, was born in Chapman 
township, in 1846. His grandfather, Simeon Pfoutz, was the first white 
settler on Kettle creek. His father, Samuel Werts, came from Milton, 
and settled below where Westport is now, in 1838. In early life W. C. 
Werts worked at lumbering. In 1871 he started a store in Westport. In 
1873 his store was burned. In 1886 he started the first meat market in 
Westport. He afterwards built a store room, and carried on the grocery 
business in connection with the meat market. In May, 1891, through 
the efforts of Hon. A. C. Hopkins, he received the appointment as post- 
master for Westport, and shortly after took charge of the office as suc- 
cessor to C. R. Noyes. Mr. Werts was the first Republican postmaster 
of the place. In connection with his duties as postmaster he at present 
conducts a general merchandise store and meat market. Mr. Werts was 
married in 1871 to Emma Smith, of Cook's Run. They have six children 
living, four daughters and two sons. One of the daughters is an assistant 
in the post office. In business matters Mr, Werts has been rather un- 
fortunate. At the time his store burned he lost all he possessed, and was 
also a heavy loser by the June flood of 1689. 



326 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

ORGANIZATIONS AND HOTELS. 



COI-ONEL A. C. NOYES CASTLE, KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 

THE Colonel A. C. Noyes castle, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was 
instituted at Westport, October 18th, 1890, with forty-nine mem- 
bers. 
The present officers of the castle are: E. M. Smith, H. E. Nichols, 
George Courter, A. M. Myers, James Keister, Curtis Caldwell, E. F. 
Wickman, D. H. Thomas. This castle was named in honor of Colonel 
A. C. Noyes. It has a present membership of seventy. 

WESTPORT LODGE, NO. 34, I. O. G. T. 

Westport lodge, No. 34, Independent Order Good Templars, was organ- 
ized November 4th, 1887. Its first officers were Ida Myers, chief temp- 
lar; J. N. Edwards, lodge deputy; Emma J. Stuart, secretary; Mrs. J. 
N. Edwards, treasurer; Fannie E. Edwards, vice templar; Mrs. A. P. 
Goodman, chaplain; Emily Edwards, financial secretary. 

The present officers are: J. N. Edwards, lodge deputy; Lizzie Smith, 
chief templar; Maud Stuart, vice templar; Emily J. Edwards, secretary; 
Rev. J. C. Wilhelm, treasurer; Annie Riddles, financial secretary; C. R. 
Daley, chaplain. This lodge has a present membership of eighty-two. It 
meets every Tuesday evening, in the I. 0. G. T. hall, which is owned by 
the lodge. The organizatian is in a very flourishing condition. 

THE WESTPORT HOUSE. 

This large and commodious hotel was erected by John Robbins, in the 
winter of 1873 and 1874. It is a frame structure, forty by eighty feet, with 
a wing of thirty-five feet, giving it a front of seventy-five feet on one side 
and eighty feet on the other. The first proprietor of the house was Mr. 
Robbins himself. He opened the hotel in the spring of 1874. He was 
succeeded by Mr. Maloney, the present landlord, in April, 1888. The 
house has thirty-five bedrooms, with ample accommodations for seventy 
guests. Before assuming control of the Westport house, Mr. Maloney 
had charge of the Trout Run house, at Ilammersley's Foi-ks, and pre- 
vious to that time the celebrated Isaac Walton house, at Gaines, Tioga 
county. He is a pleasant, popular gentleman, and runs his hotel in 
first-class style. 



NORTH BEND. 



THIS is a flourishing little village of some five hundred 
souls, in Chapman township, three miles east of the 
borough of Renovo, on the line of the Philadelphia & 
Erie railroad, and has the largest local freight traffic of any 
station between Renovo and the city of Lock Haven. Its 
gentlemanly and efficient agent and operator, Mr. H. G. 
Haynes, has been in charge of the depot here for over 
twenty-four years. 

The principal business of the place is lumbering and tan- 
ning. We have at present two small saw and two shingle 
mills, and are now erecting a large gang saw-mill, which, 
when completed, will have a capacity of fifteen million 
feet of boards annually. A large planing-mill is contem- 
plated; also a furniture factory. 

The large tannery of L. R. Gleason & Sons, built in the 
year 1881, and enlarged in 1889, is in constant operation, 
turning out some thirty tons of leather monthly. 

We have three general stores, two hotels, two blacksmith 
shops, one wagonmaker's and general repair shop, two 
shoemaker's shops, one church (Union) and two school 
houses. 

We have also a branch railroad running twelve miles up 
Youngwoman's creek, which will, in the near future, be 
extended into Potter county, with a connection to Buffalo. 

The name of North Bend is of recent origin; when the 
Philadelphia & Erie railroad was first opened here, in the 
year 1863, the company adopted the name of North Point, 
which was continued until the year 1879, when the present 
name was adopted, and the name of the post office also 
changed from (to many of us) the old and pleasurable name 
of Youngwomanstown, to North Bend. 



328 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

*' Youngwomanstown" is one of the oldest names in 
the history of the West Branch valley. Tradition says the 
name originated from the tragic death of a beautiful young 
Indian girl who, in attempting to cross the stream on a float, 
was swept away to the " Spirit Land," and ever after the 
stream was called Youngwoman's creek, and the surround- 
ing country Chinis-quay-ka-non or "Youngwomanstown," 
and on the west bank of this placid stream, about twenty 
rods inland and equidistant from the junction of the creek 
and river, the noble red men erected a huge mound of 
broken sandstone, upon which they commemorated the 
mournful event in burnt offerings to the Great Spirit. 
Traces of this mound still remain, and the writer has hauled 
away tons and tons of these burned and broken stones, and 
there are still tons left, mixed with the soil, on a square of 
about an eighth of an acre. 

The first known white settler was William Reed, who, 
prior to the year 17S0, built a log cabin at the junction of 
the two streams, no trace of which now remains, the many 
high freshets having washed away the banks where it stood. 
One Timothy Peaceable also squatted here about the same 
time, and afterwards sold his right to one William Cook, 
who contested Reed's title, but lost in failing to sustain a 
caveat filed by him before the board of property. Reed 
sold his title to one William Campbell, and on the 2d of 
June, 1779, Campbell conveyed to Thomas Robinson, 

The place was then deserted on account of the troubles 
with the Indians all along the West Branch, but soon after 
the treaty with the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix, October, 
1784, (called the "last purchase,") for the residue of all the 
Indian lands within the limits of Pennsylvania, the said 
Robinson applied for a warrant, which was granted to him 
on October 14th, 1785, and described as follows: "All that 
certain tract of land called Youngwomanstown, situated on 
the northwest side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna, 
including the mouth of Youngwoman's creek, in Northum- 
berland county, containing 307^^ acres, and allowance of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 329 

six per cent, for roads, etc." Robinson conveyed to Andrew 
Epple January loth, 1787. Patent for said land bearing 
date April 12th, 1787, from the Supreme Executive Council 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was issued to the 
said Andrew Epple, the same bearing the original signature 
of the immortal Benjamin Franklin, president of the Supreme 
Executive Council. Andrew Epple leased the place to 
William Bennett, for an annual rental of ^^3 6d. 

Bennett occupied the place for some ten years — up to 
about the year 1800. This lease required him to clear some 
land yearly, to pay the taxes, to improve the property, and 
to pay the small rental above stated. 

He built the large log house, with its immense stone 
chimney, which stood near the mouth of the creek, some 
six or eight rods back of the cabin of William Reed, above 
mentioned. 

Rev. Daniel M. Barber, one of the most prominent and 
eloquent ministers of the Presbyterian church for over half 
a century in the West Branch valley, lived in this log house 
away back in the twenties. He, in company with Robert 
Bridgens, traveled on horseback, before the days of rail- 
roads, out into Canada, thence to Detroit, returning by way 
of Cincinnati and Pittsburg. Their object was to see the 
country. 

Andrew Epple conveyed to Andrew Epple, Jr., on August 
20th, 1799. Epple conveyed to Joseph Reed March 9th, 

1802. 

Reed conveyed to John Philip De Haas, of Bald Eagle 
township, in the county of Ceatre. on June ist, 1805, and on 
May loth, 1810, DeHaas conveyed to John Quigley, father of 
the late Michael Quigley, Esq., and the grandfather of the 
writer's wife. 

North Bend station is located on the southwestern part 
of this tract, called Youngwomanstown. The major por- 
tion of the tract is now owned by Robert Bridgens' heirs 
and the writer. 
22 



330 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Among the early settlers in this vicinity were the Bairds, 
Burneys, Bridgens, Caldwells, Grugans, Hammersleys, 
Halls, Keplers, McCloskeys, Pfoutzes, Quigleys, Summer- 
sons, Stouts, Welshes and others, many of whose descend- 
ants still live in the up-river districts. 

Two of the most noted of the last generation were 
Michael Quigley, Esq., and Captain Robert Bridgens, the 
first of whom was born here in 1807. He was appointed 
by Governor Wolf, in 1831, a justice of the peace, and 
served by re-election, without intermission, until the day of 
his death, on February i6th, 1888. During his long life, 
and until a few years of his death, he was a most active and 
useful man, and was as well known and as highly respected 
as any man in the up-river country. 

Captain Robert Bridgens, whose birth dates back to the 
year 1796, and whose death occurred in 1882, located here 
when quite a young man. He ran the first steamboat that 
ever plied upon the waters ol the West Branch. He was 
one of the board of commissioners chosen at the first elec- 
tion after the organization of Clinton county, and was a most 
respected and honored official and citizen. 

Youngwomanstown had an inn or tavern as early as 1805. 
Locomotion was slow in those days, either by foot or in the 
clumsy dug-out. Grandfather John Quigley poled a canoe 
all the way up the river from Northumberland in the year 
18 1 2, in which he brought lOO young apple trees, and 
planted them on his land here, some of which trees are still 
living. 

Here many a fistic encounter was practiced, and it was 
considered a great honor to be known as the best man. It 
was here that Uncle Jimmy Caldwell (he was the aggressor) 
lost his nose in an encounter with Grandfather John Quigley. 
After a fight all were friends; it was the custom of the 
times. 

The old pioneers were, as a rule, the best of people ; hos- 
pitable in their humble homes, and the very soul of honor. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 33 1 

A man's word was as good as his bond, (it is not so now,) 
and woe betide the man who attempted to practice dis- 
honesty. 

Here was the only polling place west of Dunnstown for 
nearly half a century, and it was here, in the year 1838, (then 
Lycoming county,) that the greatest election ever known 
in the history of the West Branch was held. It was at the 
time that work was being done on the Sinnemahoning ex- 
tension of the West Branch canal, under Governor Uncle 
Joe Rittner's administration. Upwards of 800 votes were 
polled, when there were not over 100 legal voters in the 
whole district, the election board being forced to receive all 
votes offered, and many were the bloody heads made on 
that day with the effective shillalah in the hands of wild and 
infuriated Irishmen. The writer's father-in-law was an eye 
witness to the bloody scene; his father, in attempting to dis- 
suade the mob from violence (the election room was in his 
house) was set upon, and if he had not been as lithe as an 
Indian, and fleet as a roe buck, running, leaping and clear- 
ing the picket fence at a bound, (which obstruction brought 
his pursuers to a standstill for a moment,) he doubtless 
would have been pommelled into a jelly. 

John Quigley was born in York, Pa., in the year 1772, 
and removed with his parents to Wayne township, soon 
after the close of the Revolutionary war. He had three 
brothers, two of whom, William and George, located in 
Wayne, and one, Michael, at Beech Creek. He also had 
four sisters; one was the wife of Robert Crawford, g-rand- 
father of the writer, one married Joseph McCormick, one 
married George Crane, and the other Robert Stewart, grand- 
father of Captain R. S. Barker, the present postmaster of 
Lock Haven. The grandfather of the Hon. James C. 
Quiggle was a cousin of the family. 

For many years after John Quigley located in Young- 
womanstown ; the nearest grist mill was at Mill Hall. The 
up-river farmers would load their grain in canoes, and run 
them down to the mouth of Bald Eagle creek, and pole 



332 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

them up the creek to Fishing creek to Bressler's mill, get 
their grists ground, and pole their canoes back home. 

In those days the spinning wheel and loom were as com- 
mon as the sewing machine of the present day, and every 
family clothed themselves chiefly with homespun goods of 
their own production. Their tables were abundantly sup- 
plied with game and fish, which were very plenty and easily 
procured. 

John Quigley was a remarkably active and supple man 
until the day in which he was accidentally killed at Monsey- 
town, in 1847, at the age of seventy-five years. Although a 
hard worker, he could at that great age, by holding the toe 
of one foot in his hand, jump through with the other foot, 
back and forward, a feat but few young men can perform. 
Recalling the facts in reference to the result of the vote cast 
at the great election spoken of, we wish to add that, of 
course, the returns, carried to Williamsport by Uncle Jimmy 
Caldwell, were not counted, and Uncle Joe was defeated 
for the second term, and his grand enterprise abandoned. 

A new race now inhabit the land; those good, honest, 
jovial old pioneers are all gathered to their fathers, and all 
has changed; but with all the wonderful improvements, dis- 
coveries and conveniences, we dare say men are neither 
better nor happier than those old pioneers were. 

Michael Quigley built a small water-power saw mill here 
about the year 1831. It was carried away by the big freshet 
of 1847. fn the year 1854 R. K. Hawley & Co. erected a 
large water-power gang mill, which they operated under the 
superintendence of John H. Haynes, (father of H. G. 
Haynes,) down to the year 1865. Their yearly cut was 
about 3,000,000 feet, and was stocked by D. C. Wilcox, res- 
ident partner and a brother-in-law of the writer. The mill 
was then operated for a few years by the Hon. A.J. Quigley. 
The next mill was a portable steam-power of R. K. Landis 
& Co., and the next the large steam gang mill of Mensch & 
Lowenstine, built in the year 1872, and destroyed by fire in 
1879 or 1880, 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 333 

Youngwoman's creek, which drains a territory of about 
sixty square miles, or 40.000 acres, has yielded up to this 
time not less than 500,000,000 feet of saw logs — the 
majority of which were floated to Williamsport. About two- 
thirds were pine, and the balance hemlock and hard wood. 
There is probably 175,000,000 feet, chiefly hemlock, remain- 
ing, and ten years more will clean it all out. 

Agriculture to some extent is taking the place of lumber- 
^^Sf y^^ ^^*2 have thousands of acres of fine table lands on 
our mountains, well adapted to agriculture, unimproved, 
and our hills contain fire clay of the best quality, also coal 
and iron ore; these, we hope, time and the demands of com- 
merce will speedily develop. 

When the writer located here, in the year 185 i, (over forty 
years ago,) there was a hotel, a store, blacksmith shop, a 
couple of farm houses, a small church, (used also for a 
school house,) and a couple of old log houses. The United 
States mail was received once a week, (carried on horseback 
from Lock Haven, letter postage ten cents, prepayment op- 
tional). Merchandise was transported from the eastern cities 
in canal boats to Lock Haven, and from there in small flat- 
bottom boats, and in canoes on the river. No doctors 
nearer than Lock Haven. 

Log driving was in its infancy. There was no boom at 
Lock Haven, nor anything to call a boom at Williamsport. 
No railroad up the Susquehanna north of Clark's Ferry. 
Yet there were many conveniences which the pioneers did 
not have. 

Our little place has advanced slowly, and bids fair to 
make more rapid strides. Our prospects are by no means 
discouraging, and if our timber is nearly exhausted, with our 
growing agricultural resources, our minerals accessible, and 
being located only three miles from the thriving borough 
of Renovo, it requires no prophetic eye to see that in the 
close future we shall be united in one flourishing town, (or 
may we say city?) for the reason that the rapidly growing 



334 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY, 

business of the Philadelphia & Erie railroad will create an 
increasing demand for labor; her machine and car shops 
must be enlarged, and her employes must have homes; her 
vacant places will soon be filled, and she must have more 
room, and here we have it. Steam and electric cars will an- 
nihilate the short space between us. 

Before concluding this imperfect sketch, (space would not 
permit us to go into minute details,) we deem it appropriate 
to say that our little place has not lagged behind in a re- 
ligious, moral, social and educational aspect; and if we are 
no better, we are just as good as our neighbors. 



i 



HYNER. 

HYNER is a small village situated on the West Branch 
of the Susquehanna river, at the mouth of what is 
called Hyner's run, twenty-one miles northwest of Lock 
Haven, and seven miles southeast of Renovo. From what 
or whom Hyner's run received its name, there is no one 
now living can tell. Rumor has it that a huntsman who 
lived on Pine creek, by the name of Hiner, in an early day 
came over and camped on its banks to kill deer, principally 
for the hides, and that the stream derived its name from 
him. While this may be true, yet there is no certainty of it. 
Hyner village contains some thirty or forty houses — one 
only being of brick (the Grugan residence,) — yet there are 
some very nice, comfortable homes; that of Theodore John- 
son, James Summerson, James A. McClosky, Behring Mc- 
Closky, K. J. Farwell, J. W. Christian, Samuel Mummah, 
W. C. Weaver and many others, and a new one built last 
summer by Michael Fluff, is an improvement to the place. 
There is a commodious school house, a Methodist church, 
not yet finished, a post office, railroad station and telegraph 
office, a blacksmith shop, one store, one boarding house 
and a Methodist parsonage, but no hotel or saloon, a picnic 
ground at a distance of about ten minutes' walk from the 
station, with a dancing platform, and fixed up with all the 
necessary improvements. The business at Hyner is prin- 
cipally lumbering and farming. There is quite a number of 
good farms in the valley, also on top of the surrounding 
mountains there is good land, and some nice farms already 
cleared. 

Hyner is seven miles from the Jersey Shore and Couders- 
port turnpike, the nearest point from the turnpike to the 
river. It is claimed that the mountains near the turnpike 



336 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

abound in coal, iron ore, silver ore, lime stone and fire clay. 
If all this is true, Hyner may yet lift her head among the 
towns of Clinton county. At Hyner the first oil well in this 
region was drilled; a "dry hole it is true," but they struck 
salt and gas in abundance, and it is claimed that oil will be 
found here yet, as the surface indications are good. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



HON. COLEMAN GRUGAN. 

[At the request and earnest solicitation of the author, Hon. Coleman Grugan 
furnished the following- history of himself and family.] 

I WAS born in wh;it was then Dunnstable, Lycoming county, but now 
Grugan township, Clinton county, Pa., September 29th, 1820. It 
seems but yesterday to me; tempus fugit. The point at which I first 
drew the breath of life was on the north side of the river. At that day 
and age game and fish were plentiful. But school rooms and scho. il 
teachers were unknown— no pastoral bleat nor holy Dill. I was baptized 
by Rev. Grier, in an old saw mill surrounded wholly by forest trees. 
Sad to contemplate, all, young or old, who witnessed the event have 
mouldered into dust, except brother John and myself. My father's name 
was Alexander Grugan : ray mother's maiden name was Rachael Cole- 
man. In the year 1837 my father purchased the farm where Glen Union 
now is. We moved on it in tlie fall of 1837, and in the spring of 1838, 
on account of the erection of the Lock Haven and Queen's Run dams, 
the ice gorged back and swept the house and all we possessed away, the 
family barely escaping with their lives. 

After my parents had recuperated sufficiently, so as to be able to live 
in a kind of way, I concluded to start out into the world for myself (how 
little I knew of it) and make a fortune. I had rafted and saved a little 
over a hundred dollars, and owned a fine flint lock gun. My idea was 
to work my way to the Rocky mountains and join the trappers. I had rela- 
tives living on the Sinnemahoning creek, and concluded to stop a day or 
two with them. While there, through persuasion, and it being then quite 
late in the fall, I decided not to go farther west until spring. So I hired 
to teach school for twelve dollars per month, and board around among 
the scholars. I taught three months and got along nicely. At the close 
of the school I made a speech, when most of the school wept, whether 
from joy or grief I never could learn. 

In the spring I decided to make a trip down the river on a raft, get 
some more money, and then ^tart west. I lan two rafts for my uncle, 




HON. COLEMflN GRUGflN, 



Hyner, Pa. 



PAST AND PKKSENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 337 

Jacob Coleman, and Williaiu A. Simpson, now of the State bank of Lock 
Haven; ran them to Marietta. Then T got the measles, followed by the 
bilious fever, which brought me very near the point where the boats are 
anchored that ferry us across the river Jordan. But after two months I 
rallied. My uncle then agreed to take me as clerk in the store. I was 
with him two years (and never got a cent). The West gradually faded 
from my vision. I married Miss Margaret Shaffer, daughter of James 
Shaffer, who lived at -Sinnemahoning. I then quit the store and went up 
the first fork of the Sinnemahoning creek, calculating to make a fortune 
at lumbering. I put in two seasons of hard work and came out poorer 
than when I went in. Yet I paid all my debts, and for a time turned 
farmer. 

Before the elapse of two years my wife died, leaving me with two small 
children. Farming was not a success. Hence I left Sinnemahoning and 
came back to Grugan township. Here I taught school three months for 
twenty dollars per month and boarded myself. After this I had some 
good luck along with much bad. I hope I will not be accused of egotism 
when I say I am the only man raised in Grugan township who ever 
attained to the dignity of school teacher; I was the first to bring to the 
township a cultivator for working corn; the first to bring a two-horse 
wagon: the first to own a buggy; the first to own a threshing machine; the 
first to assist building a house and painting it — white; the first to draw a 
check for $2,000 (and lose every cent of it); first to be elected associate 
judge from up the river; first to build a brick house in Chapman town- 
ship; and last, but not least, the first to lay a flagstone pavement on Pair- 
view street. Lock Haven. I mention these not to boast, but that I have 
at least tried to accomplish something. 

Politically I never was a success. I several times aspired to be treas- 
urer of Clinton county, but always failed to get the nomination. During 
the time the Republicans ruled Clinton county (before their present 
advent) I was put on the Democratic ticket — without my consent — once, 
at least, for commissioner; once for auditor; once for coroner. I ran the 
several ordeals and suffered defeat with the rest of the ticket. When the 
Democrats came into power, nominations were no longer gifts. Yet, even 
then, I got the nomination for associate judge. My election was only 
accomplished by the untiring efforts of my particular friend, Herman 
Simons, and a few others who used their influence in my behalf. At the 
end of my term I intended retiring, but I happened to see the slate that 
was made out by the so-called "ring." The name of my colleague, Wil- 
liam Dunn, was on it; my name was not. At this I felt slighted, and 
concluded to try it alone, notwithstanding the "ring's" opposition — hence 
I got left. 1 was once afterward persuaded to run for the Legislature, 
which, after an expensive and laborious electioneering campaign, I suf- 
fered a ruinous defeat. This cured me of office-seeking. I decided I 
was not the style of a man the "dear people wanted." So, as Horace 
Greely said, " I returned to my crusts and my garrets." 



338 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

A. G. McCLOSKEY. 

A. Gr. McCloskey was born June 1st, 1852, in Chapman township, 
Clinton county. Pa. His father was James C. McCloskey. Mr. McClos- 
key received his education in the common schools, and afterwards attended 
Dickinson seminary at Williamsport, Pa., and also graduated at the 
Williamsport Commercial college. Although he received a liberal edu- 
cation, he preferred the life of a farmer to any other, and to that occupa- 
tion he devotes his time. His home is a pleasant one, on the left bank of 
the Susquehanna, a short distance from Hyner, and his farm is what is 
known as " Bakerstown farm." Mr. McCloskey was married, in 1885, to 
AnnaBaird, of Liberty, Pa. Politically he is a Democrat, and promi- 
nent in the politics of his township, having held many of the township 
offices at different times. In connection witli his farming Mr. McCloskey 
has devoted part of his time to lumbering, but at present he is not in the 
latter business. He is one of the representative citizens of his township, 
and a descendent of one of its pioneer settlers. 



SALONA. 

SALONA is one of the oldest villages in Clinton county. 
About the year 1769 a woman named Mary Austin 
received a grant of the land lying on the north side of the 
village, known as the "Deep Spring Farm." This tract was 
sold in 1794 to Joel Ferree, who erected the house occupied 
for years by Samuel Wilson. About the year 1800, Grand- 
father Bressler, father of Judge Bressler, bought a tract of 
land, upon which he erected a grist mill, fulling nnll and 
still house. The still house stood near the present site of 
the stone mill. Joel Herr was the first miller in the grist 
mill. In 1 8 19 John McGhee purchased the said tract of 
land, and erected the stone mill now in use, and owned by 
John P. Heard and the heirs of George Herr. In 1822 
George Leidy bought three acres of land, upon which he 
erected a dwelling and started a cabinet making shop. He 
afterwards changed the cabinet shop to a grain cradle fac- 
tory, where he manufactured the celebrated Leidy cradles. 
He sold one acre of his land to S. F. Sigmund, who built a 
dwelling and opened a tailor shop. About the same time 
George Smith opened a shoe shop on the lot now occupied 
by the stone house built by A. H. Best. 

In 1822 John Skinner and Nathaniel Holcomb purchased 
land and erected a foundry, and began the manufacture of 
plows. This foundry was located just where the foundry of 
Esenwine & Wilson now stands. About the year 1830 
John Thompson erected a tannery and began operations. 

The village for a time was called "Mudtown," also Mc- 
Ghee's town, and afterwards Mechanicsburg. Finding that 
it was necessary to adopt some permanent name, the citizens 
on one occasion assembled in the school for that purpose. 
Mrs. Samuel Wilson, better known as Aunt Betsy Wilson, 
had on the day previons to the meeting read an article in 



340 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the Christian Advocate, concerning the foreign missions, in 
which the name of Salonica, a city in Turkey, was men- 
tioned. She suggested the name to her husband, Samuel 
Wilson, who in his turn proposed at the citizens' meeting, 
that they adopt for their town the name of Salona. The 
new name was unanimously accepted and adopted. Aunt 
Betsy Wilson, who named the place, still lives within its 
limits. She has now passed the eightieth mile stone of her 
existence. 

In 1832 A. H. Best built a house and opened a store. 
He continued doing business in the same room for over 
thirty years, when George Bressler, Jr., succeeded him. 
The latter was succeeded by Andrew and E. C. Best. After 
doing business for several years, this firm dissolved, and 
Andrew Best carried on the business alone for a number of 
years. When A. H. Best opened the store, he also secured 
the post office. For a time the mail was brought from Mill 
Hall once each week, then twice a week, and it was a big 
day when the mail began to be carried daily. Samuel Herr 
succeeded A. H. Best as postmaster; then in their order 
came J. P. Heard, John Highlands, Samuel Bridgens, J. C. 
Sigmund, S. W. Sigmund, M. W. Herr, John J. Miller and 
S. F. Sigmund, the present postmaster. 

The first justice of the peace in Salona was George Leidy, 
afterwards elected to the Legislature; then Mark Wilson, 
who was succeeded by Hon. Joseph Quay. During the latter's 
term as justice, we find recorded in the docket the following 
marriage notice: Married this day, "A vagabond by the 
name of Joseph Force and Miss Betsy Bowden. May God 
forgive me for joining them." The next justice was David 
Heller, who was succeeded by J. C. Sigmund, the present 
justice. 

The first church was erected by the Methodists in 1828, 
about a half mile east of the town. About the same time 
the German Reformed and Lutherans built a log church on 
the hill, north of the town. These churches served as 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 34 1 

places of worship for a number of years, when they became 
too small. Both congregations then erected larger struc- 
tures, which are still in use. 

The Disciples built a church in 1835, in the west end of 
the village, and afterwards sold it to the German Reformed 
congregation. 

The first physician of Salona was Dr. Noah F. Essig. 
He lived for a time near where the bridge crosses Fishing 
creek. He moved to Missouri in 1S37, where he died a 
few years ago. He was a native of Germany, and licensed 
to practice his profession at the age of eighteen. He after- 
wards studied several years in the city of Paris. He came 
to Centre county (now Clinton) in 1806, and it was through 
his efforts that the turnpike was made around the hill, in- 
stead of over it, as he lived at that time at the bend near the 
bridge. 

The other physicians who have resided in Salona have 
been Dr. George C. Harvey, Dr. John Grossman, Dr. 
Thompson, Dr. King, TTr. Henry Essig, Dr. Chambers, Dr. 
Leitzel, Dr. Samuel Adams, Dr. William Adams, Dr. Got- 
walt, Dr. Norris, Dr. G. Y. Beattie. Dr. Burrell, Dr. Ball, 
Dr. Holloway and the present resident physician, Dr. S. C. 
Consor. 

When the echoes of the guns of Fort Sumpter reached 
the quiet village of Salona, they found an answer in the 
hearts of half a hundred loyal sons of the stars and stripes. 
When the drums beat their call to arms, fifty men stepped 
in line and answered to the roll-call of duty from this little 
village. Many of them left to return no more, while others, 
who went forth in the full glory of youth and strength, re- 
turned broken in health, to take up the duties of life. Many 
of Salona's brave sons now sleep their last sleep in Cedar 
Hill cemetery; a few yet remain, l)ut their numbers are rap- 
idly growing less, and it will be but a few years until the 
last one of that band shall have answered to the last roll- 
call. Salona may well feel proud of her history. No other 
town in the state can boast of a better or a cleaner record 



342 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The first school-house, of which we have any knowledge, 
was built about 1822, on the Thompson farm. The present 
school-house was erected in 1848, and ten years later an 
addition was built to it. It is a large two-story frame build- 
ing, containing four rooms. 

There are at present three churches — Lutheran, Methodist 
and Reformed; two schools, taught the past winter by 
W. A. Snyder and Miss Kate Caldwell; three general 
stores, kept by S. F. Sigmund, O. H. West and D. H. Herr; 
two blacksmith shops, kept by J. S. Bierly and Charles 
Shearer; one saddler shop, kept by John A. Shearer, and one 
tin and stove store, kept by S. W. Sigmund. 



PROMINENT MEN OF SALONA. 



DANIEL HERR. 

DANIEL IIERR was born near Salona, Clinton county, Pa., Feb- 
ruary 25th, 1828. He was a sou of Joel Herr, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Lamar township. Daniel Herr attended the schools of 
Lamar township until 1844, when he begnn teaching. His first term of 
school was taught in Cedar Springs school house. In 1848 he entered 
Dickinson seminary at Williamsport, attending the opening terra of that 
institution. After attending Dickinson seminary for one year lie went to 
Nanse, Mond county, Va., where he taught one term. He then returned 
to Clinton county, and after teaching another term again entered Dick- 
inson seminary, and took another year's course. He then returned to 
Salona, and followed teaching until 1864, when he was appointed county 
superintendent of Clinton county, to fill out the unexpired term of J. W. 
Snoddy. His term as superintendent expired June 1st, 1866. In the 
fall of that year he went to Williamsport, and took charge of the High 
school of that city for one term. He then came to Lock Haven, and 
taught the hist term of school held in the "Old Academy" building. In 
1871 he was appointed sii[ierititei)dent of the Preparatory department of 
Dickinson seminary, which position he held until July, 1874 From 
that time until now he has taught every term in Lamar township. Daniel 
Herr was married Septemoer 18th, 1856, by Rev. Thomas Bowman to 
Mary Jane Leidy, daughter of John and Catharine Leidy. He is the 
father of five children, one daughter and four sons. The daughter died 
at an early age, and one son has also passed away. The other four are 
living, and have families of their own. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 343 

B. F. KRAPE. 

B. F. Krape was born in Clinton county, Pa., August 11th, 1839. lie 
received his education at the Cedar Run school house, under such in- 
structors as Berkley, Bressler and Towns. lie learned the trade of coach- 
nuiking with Henry Krape at Salona, and worked at the business for a 
number of years. In August, 1862, he entered the nine months' service, 
eidisting in Company C, 137th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He 
received his discharge before the expiration of his term of service on ac- 
count of illness. On his return from the army he started a coach shop at 
Salona, and carried on the business for ten years. In 1880 he entered the 
mercantile business at Salona. In May, 1889, he sold his store to 0. H. 
West, and gave up business. The flood of June, 1889, then came, and 
almost totally destroyed Mr. Krape's entire property. His large store 
room was washed away and his lot flooded to the depth of fifteen feet. 
Since that time he has lived a retired life. 



S. F. SIGMUND. 

S. F. Sigmund was born at Salona in 1827, and educated in the com- 
mon schools of Nittany Valley. At eighteen years of age he began an ap- 
prenticeship at the shoemaking trade with William Gifford and Levi Liv- 
ingston, of Lock Haven. After serving the usual term as an apprentice, 
he worked for the same parties for eight years. In 1850 he began busi- 
ness for himself at Salona. At the breaking out of the Civil war, five 
persons enlisted at one time from his shop. In 1858 Mr. Sigmund started 
a general store in connection with his other business, and for a time was 
in partnership with his brother, 'Squire J. C. Sigmund. The partnership 
was dissolved, and since that time he has conducted the business alone. 
In 1891 he was appointed postmaster of Salona, to succeed Martin W. 
Herr. In 1850 Mr. Sigmund was married to Elizabeth Neyhart, of Elims- 
port, Lycoming county. Pa. They have two children, one son and one 
daughter. The former, Charles Sigmund, is now constable of Lamar 
township. In politics Mr. Sigmund is and has always been a Republican. 
He has held various township offices, and is at present, and has been for 
the past fifteen years, secretary of the Lamar township school district. 



JOHN A. SHEARER. 

John A. Shearer was born near the Old Fort, in Potter township, 
Centre county. Pa., March 20th, 1852. In 1854 the family came to 
Clinton county, and for five years resided on the G. M. McDowell farm, 
Lamar township. In 1859 they moved to Johnstown, Pa., where the 
subject of this sketch attended school until 1803. His father was killed 
about that time in a wreck on the railroad, and the family returned to 
Salona. In 1873 Mr. Shearer began an apprenticeship at the saddler 
trade with C. W. Rote, of Salona. After completing his trade he worked 
for a season at Clintondale with I. R. McGee; then returned to Salona, 
and started a shop of his own. Mr. Shearer was married A{)ril 7th, 1881, 



344 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

to Dillie Thompson, a daughter of S. B, Thompson, at that time a resi- 
dent of Salona. They have two children, a son and a daughter. In 
politics he is an ardent Prohibitionist, having cast his first ballot for that 
party in 1873, and never voted any other ticket in his life. 



T. C. CONSER, M. D. 

Dr. T. C. Conser was born at Loganton, Pa., November 15th, 1863. 
He is a sou of Levi Conser. He attended the public schools until seven- 
teen years of age; then entered Union seminary, now Central Pennsyl- 
vania college, at New Berlin, Unioi\ county. Pa., and graduated from 
there June 15th, 1885. He then entered the office of Drs. Iloutz & Good- 
man, at Loganton, and read medicine for eighteen months. After sj)end- 
ing a season attending lectures at Jefferson Medical college, at Philadel- 
phia, he entered the office of Dr. P. T. Musser, of Aaronsburg, Centre 
county. Pa., where he remained until September, 1887, when he again en- 
tered the Jefferson Medical college, and graduated from there in April, 
1888. After his return from college he located at Rebersburg, Centre 
county, where he took charge of the practice of Dr. J. W. Bright. In the 
spring of 1889 he located in Salona, and in the fall of 1891 he was mar- 
ried to Anna Gay Thompson, daughter of James Thompson, of Salona. 



MACKEYVILLE. 



M 



-\CKEYVILLE, formerly called Hamburg, is a snug 



little village, 



valley of Nittany. It contains loo or more inhabitants. The 
village is located in Lamar township, on the banks of Fish- 
ing creek. From Mr. James Porter we learn that about the 
year 1834 John Reesman built a blacksmith shop upon his 
land for William Courter. Soon after another house was 
erected and lined with slabs. The house is still standing. 
It was the first dwelling erected, and from it the village re- 
ceived the name of Slabtown, a name afterwards changed to 
Hamburg, and still later to Mackeyville. John Reesman 
also erected a saw mill and grist mill. The latter is yet in 
use, and owned by Robert Wolf The old mill has been 
lately remodeled, and greatly improved, by the addition of 
modern machinery. It is now one of the leading mills of 
the valley. In 1844 Mr. Reesman donated land for a Union 
church and a burying ground. The church was built 
through the efforts of such enterprising citizens as the 
Porters, Browns, Thompsons, Bradys, Heltmans, Maurers, 
Kryders and others. For twenty-five years it remained a 
Union church, controlled by the Evangelical association. 

From the plain, unpretentious spire of this church sways 
the first church bell used in Clinton county. Jacob Best 
added new interest to the place by laying out lots upon his 
lands adjoining those of Mr. Reesman. In 1870 the Dis- 
ciples of Christ effected an organization. A large brick 
church was erected and set apart to the worship of 
Almighty God, November 15th, 1871. The Methodist con- 
gregation worshiped in the Union church until the com- 
pletion of their present brick structure, which was dedicated 
December, 1883. 

23 



346 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Twenty-five years ago the graded school was estabhshed. 
Until the year 1865 the citizens of Mackeyville received 
their mail at Salona. At this time a post-office was estab- 
lished, and in honor of Hon. L. A. Mackey, then in Con- 
gress, the name of the village was changed to Mackeyville. 
T. J. SmuU was appointed postmaster, and has held the 
position ever since. 

The flood of June ist, 1889, visited Mackeyville, doing 
much damage. Five persons lost their lives, being swept 
away by the rushing waters. Much valuable property was 
destroyed. Houses, barns, bridges, household goods, farm 
implements and live stock were carried away. The store 
and dwelling of T. J. SmuU were carried away, with all they 
contained. His large iron safe was carried away, and not 
found for many months. The people at once began to re- 
pair the damage done to their property, until now the town 
has reached its former state of prosperity and beauty. T. J. 
Smull, profiting by experience, rebuilt his store and dwell- 
ing "upon a rock," or at least upon an elevation where the 
floods cannot reach him. He conducts a general store, and 
does a flourishing business. 

Hon. George J. Eldred now resides in the village, in a 
beautiful dwelling erected but a short time ago. This ven- 
erable and honored citizen has been in ill-health for several 
years, and at present writing is unable to leave his home. 
Dr. Dumm owns and occupies a fine residence and office in 
the village, and enjoys a lucrative practice. Joseph Hayes 
conducts a general store, and is building a beautiful home 
for himself in the upper end of the village. 

A flourishing Y. W. C. T. U. exists in the village, and 
does much good in its way. The organization recently lost 
two of its best members in the persons of Mrs. Dr. Dumm 
and Lillie Harvey. There is no hotel in the village, but 
travelers are entertained by several private families. There 
never was a licensed hotel in the place, but in the early 
days of its hi.story liquor was sold. Mackeyville is also 




HON. GEORGE J. ELDRED, 



Mackeyville. Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 347 

the home of Miss Puella Dornblazer, one of the leading 
members, and at present president of the county organiza- 
tion of the Women's Christian Temperance union. 

The name Hamburg, it is claimed by some, was bestowed 
on the place by Hon. Joseph Quay, who had missed several 
fine hams from his smoke house, which he concluded were 
stolen by the citizens of Slabtown. The true version is, 
however, given as follows: "In the early history of the 
place, the town was frequently visited by a German peddler, 
who extolled to the inhabitants of Slabtown the virtures 
and attractions of his native place, Hamburgh, in Germany. 
He so worked on the feelings of the inhabitants, that they 
determined to call their town Hambursr." 



BIOGRAPHY. 



HON. GEORGE JARVIS ELDRED. 

HON. GEORGE JARVIS ELDRED was born at Eklredville, Sul- 
livan county, Pa., Februai-y 18lh, 1818. He attended the district 
schools of his native place until he was sixteen years of age, 
when he, in company with his two elder brothers, Charles D., now ex- 
Judge Eldrcd, of Muucy, Lycoming county, Pa., and John, later known 
as Dr. John Eldred, of Lock Haven, Pa., wended his way to the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna river, in Lycoming county, and spent the 
next five years teaching school at Muncy, Long Reach, Williamsport 
and Jersey Shore. During this time he read law, and expected to enter 
the legal profession, but having contracted a disease of the throat, which 
very nuich interfered with his speaking, he abandoned this resolution, 
and, upon the organization of Clinton county, in 1839, he removed to 
Mill Hall, Pa., where he taught school two terms, and followed the same 
occupation for two terms in Porter township; was married September, 
1842, to Salina Devling, daughter of William Devling, of Porter town- 
ship, and the same year went to Ohio and thence to Michigan. While in 
i\liehigan he was appointed postmaster at Walled Lake, Oakland county, 
and retained that position for three years, when he returned to Porter 
township and engaged in farming on the Devling farm, where he re- 
mained for seven years, at which time his wife died. There were six 
ctiildren by this marriage, named William Devling, Charles Dodsou, 
George Jarvis, John Williamson, Robert Clayton and Joseph. Joseph 



348 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

died while an infant, and was buriud in the same coffin with his mother. 
George was drowned when a child, and Charles died in a field hospital, 
while in the army, and, is said, buried at City Point. His remains could 
not be found. In 1853 Mr, Bldred was elected, by the Democrats, 
a member of the House of Representatives in the district composed of 
Clinton, Lycoming and Potter counties; was nominated for a second 
term without opposition, but the Know Nothing wave swept the country 
that year, and he was defeated. In 1853 he was again married to Miss 
Margaret Porter, daughter of James Porter, of Lamar township, when he 
left the Devling farm and purchased and removed to the Porter home- 
stead farm, near Hamburg, now Mackeyville. Their children are one 
son and three daughters, all living. The son, James Porter Eldred, 
went to Kansas in 1878, was married, and is in business in Glen El- 
der, Mitchell county. The daughters are Kate, now the wife of D. I. Mc- 
Naul, of Lock Haven ; Jennie, married to Willard S. Meyer, of Clinton- 
dale, and Mary Frances, unmarried and living at home. In 1878 Mr. 
Eldred was again nominated and elected by the Democrats to represent 
the county of Clinton in the Legislature for the term of 1879 and 1880. 
In early life he united with the Presbyterian church, and for forty con- 
secutive years he was the leader and superintendent of the Union Sab- 
bath school at the village near his home. He was a great reader and pro- 
found thinker, and was always found at the head of every religious, liter- 
ary and social enterprise with which the people of his neighborhood were 
connected, and even to this day it is the delight of the young people of 
the neighborhood to sit and listen to him recite from Shakespeare, Burns, 
Pope and Homer, or at other times to disclose the hidden and explain the 
difficult passages of the scripture. In the spring of 1892, at the advanced 
age of 74 years, he retired from his farm and moved into the village of 
Mackeyville, where he now resides with his wife and only single daughter. 



ROTE. 

THE village of Rote is located in Lamar township, near 
Flat Roch, on the road to Sugar Valley. Just when 
its first dwelling was built we did not learn. However, in 
1877, it contained eight dwellings and about forty inhabi- 
tants. Since then several other buildings have been erected. 
There are now about thirteen dwellings, one cigar manufac- 
tory, two stores— one kept by Henry Romig, and one by 
John S. Bathurst— one blacksmith shop, kept by Simon Brum- 
gard. There is no hotel in the place, but John Bathurst 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 349 

and Henry Romig each furnish accommodations to the 
traveling pubHc. The first post-office in the village was es- 
tablished in 1880, through the efforts of John Bathurst and 
his son, A. C. Bathurst. The former received his commis- 
sion as first postmaster December 13th, 1880. The place 
was named Rote by S. Miller McCormick and John W. 
Harris, the latter being postmaster at Lock Haven at the 
time the post-office was established. The village contains 
eighty seven inhabitants. Owing to its location and lack of 
industries it is not probable that the village of Rote will ever 
become a town of any great importance. The inhabitants 
of the place are an honest, industrious set of people, who 
earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. The village 
contains one church, but no school house. The flood of 
1889 played sad havoc with the section of country in which 
the place is located, although it caused no serious damage 
to the village itself 



CEDAR SPRINGS. 



CEDAR SPRINGS, located in Lamar township, derived 
its name from the number of cedars that grew in the 
vicinity, and from the fact that Cedar run is spring water. It 
is located about two miles north from Mackeyville, and six 
miles southwest from Lock Haven. Cedar run, a stream 
noted for its purity and usefulness, rises near the line of 
Clinton and Centre counties, traverses the valley five miles, 
and empties into Fishing creek at Cedar Springs post-office. 
Arrow heads, scalping knives, tomahawks and other Indian 
relics found along Cedar run, show that the "Red man of 
the forest" once used this place as his "happy hunting 
ground." 

A school house was erected in the year 1841, near the 
public highway leading from Lock Haven to Bellefonte, 
and about one-eighth of a mile from what is now Cedar 



350 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Springs post-office. This was a frame building, somewhat 
improved on those formerly built in Lamar township. A 
few years later a substantial brick building was erected in 
place of the old frame, and it is used for educational pur- 
poses at present. 

John S. Furst, Esq., son of John George Furst, who came 
from near Sunbury in the year 1800, was born in the east 
end of Nittany valley, December 8th, 181 1. He worked on 
his father's farm until he was eighteen years old, receiving 
only a common school education. About the year 1824 
Samuel Hepburn & Co. started a store at Cedar Springs. 
In 1833 they were succeeded by John S. Furst, who con- 
tinued the mercantile business in connection with farming. 
In 1867 he built a large grist and flouring mill. This 
structure was destroyed by fire some years later. A new 
and larger mill was built on the site of the old mill, and 
has been improved, until at present it has a capacity of sixty 
barrels of flour per day. Mr. Furst always transacted busi- 
ness with a partner. The following were his partners in 
the order names occur: Joseph Brown, W. W. Brown, and 
his son, L. C. Furst. He was finally succeeded by his three 
sons, Albert S., Robert S. and Luther C, who still continue 
the business their father established. During his last fifteen 
years he lived a retired life at Lock Haven. In the summer, 
1890, after his wife's death, he again returned to Cedar 
Springs. Here the record of his successful life was sealed 
February 19th, 1892. His remains were laid to rest in 
Cedar Hill cemetery. 

Thomas J. Fox, a prominent resident of the place, was 
born in Muncy township, Lycoming county, Pa., June 6th, 
1820. He worked in his father's saw mill until he was 
twenty-two years of age. His school life was short, but he 
acquired an education by self-application. He came to 
Cedar Springs March 6th, 1847. Five years later he moved 
on what is now the William McKibben farm, and remained 
there for ten years. He then returned to his present farm, 
at Cedar Springs. This is one of the best and most produc- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 35 1 

tive farms in the vicinity. Mr. Fox was appointed postmaster 
during Pierce's administration, and held the position until 
the year 1887, when he resigned. He has been a liberal 
contributor to the cause of Christianity, and has always 
taken an active interest in politics. Politically he is a Dem- 
ocrat. 

W. M. Everheart, the present sheriff of Clinton county, 
owns a fine farm joining Furst Brothers on the north. He 
was appointed postmaster in the year 1887, and holds the 
position at present. 

Frederick Powers, son of George Powers, (deceased,) who 
came to Nittany valley in the year 1837, owns a comfort- 
able home, situated on a prominent knoll about one-eighth 
of a mile from Cedar Springs post-office. 

Besides those already mentioned there are the following : 
Thomas R. Stevenson, Charles Wasson, William Seyler, 
John Rine and William Kessinger, all of whom are prom- 
inent citizens of the vicinity. 

Parvin and Abdera, located in Porter township, are new 
post-offices, being established in the year 1887. We will 
consider these under one heading, and speak of the resi- 
dents briefly, as space will not permit us to give them the 
attention they so well deserve. 

The principal occupation of the people is agriculture. 
Some of the finest farms, barns and residences in Nittany 
valley can be seen here. Generally speaking, the people 
are refined, moral and industrious. 

William Knecht, Sr., the present postmaster of Parvin, 
owns a large grist and flouring mill, which was built of 
stone by S. Harv^ey, of Philadelphia, Pa., over seventy-five 
years ago. Mr. Knecht bought the mill about twenty years 
ago. Its present capacity is fifty barrels of flour per twenty- 
four hours. 

The following persons own fine farms, and are substantial 
citizens: William Strunk, Joseph Allison, Henry Zeigler, 
John Yearick, Solomon Thompson, Joel A. Herr and James 
Stevenson. 



352 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 

TYLERSVILLE. 



TYLERSVILLE, a village of Logan township, is located 
about four miles west of Booneville. Its founder was 
M. D. Rockey, a son of Barnet Rockey, who came from 
Gregg township, Centre county, Pa., in 1826. M. D. Rockey 
built the first residence in the village in 1842. He pur- 
chased the land upon which to build his house from Paul 
Frantz, the father of ex-Judge Frantz, who came to the 
valley from Bucks county in 1833. Paul Frantz died in 
1864, and his wife in 1857. Both are buried in the ceme- 
tery surrounding the Lutheran church, which stands on 
land given by him for church purposes in 1841. 

The first store in the village was kept by Barnet Raff, and, 
after changing owners several times, fell into the hands of 
William Harter, the present store-keeper of the village. 

The name Tylersville was conferred upon the village by 
M. D. Rockey and his brother Henry, in honor of John 
Tyler, who at the time was a candidate for the position he 
afterwards filled as president of the United States. 

At the present time the village contains two churches, 
(Evangelical and Lutheran, and German-Reformed com- 
bined). There are two schools in the place; taught in 1891 
and 1892 by Daniel Karstetter and Alexander Greninger, 
two stores kept by William Harter and E. M. Grimes, (the 
latter also follows the tailoring business,) three blacksmith 
shops, one run by John Bierly & Son, another by Harvey 
Bierly, and the last, which is a carriage and wagon shop, by 
A. J. Albright & Son, a saddler shop run by Henry Shreck- 
engast, an undertaking establishment, run by S. S. Glantz, 
and one grist and saw mill, owned and run by Judge Frantz 
& Son. The hotel accommodations of the place are not very 
extensive, but travelers are cared for by David Gingerich and 
Harvey Bierly. 



I' AST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 353 

BIOGRAPHIES. 



M. D. ROCKEY. 

MD. ROCKEY, the founder of Tylersvillo, Clinton county, Pa., was 
born March 22d, 1815, in what is now Gregg township. Centre 
1 county. At the age of fourteen Mr. Rockey began carrying mail 
from Jersey Shore to Aaronsburg, Centre county. Tiie route was long and 
very lonely, as few settlers lived between the two places. At one time, it 
is said, he ran from Tylcrsville to Loganton, a distance of eight miles, 
carrying the mail bag on his back, in just one hour, which was pretty 
good time to make considering all things. 'Squire Rockey carried the 
mail between the above named points for sixteen years. In 1844 he was 
elected constable of Logan township, which office he held for five years. 
He was then elected justice of the peace, an office he has filled up to tlie 
present time with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He 
has filled nearly every office in his township, and has during his term as 
justice settled sixty-six estates, besides doing a great deal of surveying 
and collecting. 'Squire Rockey received his education in the public 
schools, which at that early day offered few advantages. Yet the good 
judgment and business qualifications which he possessed has made him a 
successful man. His mother, who died in Stevenson county, Hlinois, in 
1857, had reached the great age of 102 years, 11 months and 24 days. 



ISAAC FRANTZ. 
One of the leading citizens of Tylersville is Hon. Isaac Prantz. Judge 
Prantz was born in Hill Town, Bucks county, Pa., December 21st, 1823. 
His father moved to Sugar Valley in the spring of 1833, and settled on a 
tract of 400 acres of land, a part of which is now embraced in the village 
of Tylersville. Here Judge Prantz received a limited education in the 
common schools, and at the age of 22 began an apprenticeship at the car- 
penter trade, an occupation which he has followed in connection with 
farming ever since. In politics Judge Prantz is a Democrat. He has 
filled the numerous township offices at various times and served as asso- 
ciate judge of Clinton county from 1881 to 1885. He was married August 
21st, 1849, to Panny Kettner, a daughter of Michael and Susanna 
Kettner, of Logan township. They have had six children, two of whom 
are dead. Their daughter, Isabella J., is married to Philip T. Sehreck- 
engast. The others are Pruella S., Israel R. and Mary A. Prantz. The 
judge yet owns a part of the original farm purchased by his father. 



BOONEVILLE. 



BOONEVILLE, with a population of lOO, is pleasantly 
situated on the north bank of Fishing creek, on the 
Summer Side of Sugar Valley, about three miles west of 



354 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the borough of Loganton. The village contains about 
twenty-five dwellings, a post-office, two churches — Lutheran 
and Evangelical — one blacksmith shop and one cooper shop. 
The village at present contains one well-stocked store, con- 
ducted by W. H. Strohecker. The land upon which the 
village is situated originally belonged to what was known 
as the Wistar tract, and was purchased in 1834 by Dr. 
Samuel Strohecker, of Rebersburg, Centre county, Pa. Dr. 
Strohecker divided the portion purchased by him into 
smaller tracts. The one on which Booneville is located 
passed into the hands of John and Ralph Boone, who laid it 
out into lots, which they sold in 1866. Thus the credit of 
establishing the village belongs to them, and hence the 
name Booneville. Everything indicates that Booneville will 
become, at some time, an important and flourishing town. 
The village is surrounded by rich farming lands, and is 
blessed with an abundance of pure water. The location is a 
remarkably healthy one, and the town affords a desirable 
place of residence. This fact is being appreciated by the 
prosperous farmers of that section, and one by one they are 
retiring to neat and cozy homes in the village of Booneville. 



LOGAN MILLS. 



LOGAN MILLS is a small village located in Logan town- 
ship, about two miles west from Booneville, on a cross 
road leading from the Summer Side to the Winter Side of 
Sugar Valley. The place contains ten dwellings, one store 
and a post-office, one saw mill and a stone grist mill, which 
was built by Colonel Anthony Kleckner, about the year 
1840. At the death of Colonel Kleckner the mill passed 
into the hands of other parties, and was finally purchased by 
J. Ilgen & Son, its present owners. Logan Mills is the home 
of Harvey Kleckner, ex-commissioner of Clinton county. 
Mr. Kleckner has a fine, large farm here and a beautiful 
home. The place has not improved much in the last few 
years, and, unless the coming railroad should cause a boom, 
is not likely to become a town of any great importance. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTi'. 355 

BIOGRAPHY. 



H. B. KLECKXER. 

HB. KLECKXER was born at Loean Mills. December 6th, 1843. His 
father, Robert Kleckner, was a son of Col. Anthony Kleckner. one 
' of the pioneer settlers of Sugar Valley. The subject of this sketch 
was educated in the public schools. In 1870 he purchased the Kleckner 
homestead from his father and began farming, an occupation he has fol- 
lowed suec-essfully ever since. In 1887 he was elected county commis- 
sioner, and served one term. He also received the nomination for a 
second term, but withdrew from the field before election. 

H. B. Kleckner was married January 1st, 1869. to Catharine Boone, of 
Green-Burr. They have three d.*iughters. Mr. Kleckner is an ardent 
Democrat, and a very useful member of his party. He has filled various 
township offices at different times in the most satisfactory manner. 



GREEN-BURR. 



GREEN-BURR, formerly called Greenville, is located in 
Logan township, on the Winter Side of Sugar Valley, 
almost directly opposite Booneville. The place at present 
contains about twenty- dwellings, and has a population of 
about IQD. Green-Burr was at one time the home of Rev. 
A. D. Rowe. a former superintendent of Clinton county. 
Rev. Rowe died in India, where he had gone as a mission- 
ary. His death occurred in 1S83. The village contains one 
church — German Reformed — which was built in 1S67. It 
might also be said to contain another church — Evangelical — 
which is located but a short distance from the village, on the 
Winter Side road. This church was erected in 1S77. It 
was the second church built in the valley. The Green-Burr 
post-office was established here in May, 1SS2. J. B. Rowe be- 
ing the first postmaster. Near the village of Green-Burr is 
the farm and residence of Samuel Kahl. who is one ot the 
leading citizens of Sugar Valley. Mr. Kahl has, at several 
times, been a candidate for sheriff, but as yet has not been 
successful. He is a leading politician of his township, and 
a pleasant and courteous gentleman, who entertains his 
friends in royal style. 



356 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Thecitizens of this section are industrious and prosperous. 
A short distance from Green-Burr is the place where differ- 
ent parties have prospected for coal. That mineral exists 
in the valley is a certainty, but further examination is 
necessary to determine the exact location of the bed, and the 
quantity and quality of the material. In case the railroad is 
completed through the valley, these beds will be thoroughly 
developed. 



RAUCHTOWN. 



RAUCHTOWN, a village containing about 350 inhab- 
itants, is located on the main road, between Jersey 
Shore and Sugar Valley. It derives its name from the 
name of the family who were among the first to settle in 
the village, and who owned most of the land on which it is 
located. It grew naturally, without any intention on the 
part of the owner to make or form a town, and at this time 
contains a public school, a first-class country store, post- 
office, with a daily mail, grist mill, saw mill, hotel, saloon, 
cobbler's shop, carpenters and joiners' shop, wheel wright 
shop, and smith shop; three churches are within a half 
mile, mile and mile and a quarter of the village, belonging re- 
spectively to the Lutherans, German Methodists and Epis- 
copal Methodists. 

Although the village is called Rauchtown, the post-office 
is called Ranch's Gap. The first store in the village was 
started in i860 by George Rauch. The hotel was first 
opened by John Metzger in 1873. The house has no license. 
The only licensed house in the town at present is a saloon, 
kept by Israel Fravel, one of the best known individuals in 
Clinton county. Mr. Fravel is a staunch old war horse of 
the Democratic school, whose house is a boon to the thirsty 
traveler whose business calls him to Rauchtown, and few 
persons pass that way who do not stop for a season under 
his hospitable roof 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 35/ 

BIOGRAPHY. 



JOHN W. GROUP. 

JOHN W. GROUP, a resident of the village of JiauL'htown, was born 
therein in the year 1844, lie was reared to the business of farming- 
He attended the public school in the village until the age of sixteen 
years, at which time he had mastered all the branches then taught in 
the common school. At the age of nineteen he tauglit school in Clinton 
county, Wayne township, without any further prei)aration. After 
coming to his majority he worked in the lumber woods to accumulate 
funds to attend school. With this earnings and the assistance of an old 
and valued friend, Jacob Getgeu, now deceased, a resident of the same 
locality, he was enabled to take a course of study, embracing a period of 
two years at the Williamsport Dickinson seminary. He afterwards 
taught school, and labored in the lumber woods to pay his debts and 
continue his education. Having accumulated sufficient means, he 
spent two years in the University of Michigan. This closed his school 
life. He read law with S. D, Ball, Esq,, of Lock Haven, Pa., and was 
admitted to the bar of Clinton county in 1874, Since that time, in con- 
nection with a great deal of other business, he has practiced his profes- 
sion in the courts of both Clinton and Lycoming counties. Hi politics 
he is an uncompromising DemocJat, and has always been a diligent and 
hard worker in the ranks of his party. 



FARRANDSVILLE, 



FIFTY years ago the most important business place in 
Clinton county was Farrandsville. The town received 
its name from William P. Farrand, who came to the spot 
in the winter of 183c, as agent for a company of Boston 
capitalists. At that time there was no road to the place, 
and it could only be reached on horseback at times when 
the river was low. William P. Farrand broke a path into 
the mountains through three feet of snow in his efforts to 
discover and open the bituminous coal beds at this point, 
and often spent whole nights in the hills without shelter or 
food. The coal was to be shipped to the Eastern markets, 
and the manufacture of iron, lumbering, etc., was to be 
carried on at Farrandsville. A steamboat was constructed 
for the purpose of carrying material up and down the river. 
The boat was called the Farrand, and for a time she went 



358 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

puffing up and down the Susquehanna. William P. Far- 
rand left, and other agents took his place from time to time. 

A vi.sitor to Farrandsville in 1835 speaks of the place as 
follows: "The Lycoming Coal company, the proprietors of 
Farrandsville, have a good farm of 200 acres, a short dis- 
tance above the village. Lick run is a strong, steady 
stream. On it is erected a large nail establishment, capable 
of manufacturing, from pig metal, ten tons of nails per day. 
There is also an air and cupola furnace, which in the last 
six months has turned out nearly 300 tons of castings. 
There are mills for sawing lumber of every description, 
shingles, lath, etc. There is also an establishment for man- 
ufacturing railroad cars on a large scale. There are now 
three veins of coal opened, and the schutes in place ; two 
miles of railroad communicating with the different mines, 
and fifty coal cars completed, ready for use. One branch 
of the road runs to the nail works, which are calculated to 
consume 5,000 tons of coal per year. 

An extensive rolling mill is in progress, and a furnace for 
smelting iron ore with coke will be erected in a short time 
immediately below the nail works. Farrandsville proper is 
situated on the Susquehanna. On the mountain where the 
coal mines have been opened there are a number of build- 
ings, where the miners and their families reside, with a 
street running between them, and at the foot of the moun- 
tain, at Lick run, there are also large boarding houses and 
habitations for artisans and their families. These three 
separate towns, however, all belong to the community of 
Farrandsville, which contains a large hotel, far advanced in 
its erection, two reputable taverns, three large boarding 
houses and upwards of ninety tenements, each calculated to 
render a family entirely comfortable. Here arc inexhausti- 
ble mines of iron, with the bituminous coal for smelting it, 
and all the elements for building up a manufacturing estab- 
lishment capable of supplying iron in all its forms to our 
widely extended and populous country." 

Operations were driven forward rapidly, but not to any great 
degree of profit to the company. After spending over i^/oo,- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 359 

000 the proprietors began to wake up to the fact that their 
loss exceeded their profit, and in order to investigate they 
sent a shrewd Yankee iron master to Farrandsville, who soon 
reported that there was no money to be made, and advised 
them to cease operations and pocket their loss, which they 
did. The failure of the works has been attributed to various 
circumstances, but perhaps the real cause was lavish ex- 
penditures, inefficient management, and inferior transporta- 
tion facilities, the great distance from which the ore was ob- 
tained, and finally a disagreement among the members of 
the company. After the Lycoming Coal company sus- 
pended operations, they sold the property to John Stearns, 
who in 1845 or 1846 sold an interest to George Hobson. 
The firm of Stearns & Hobson then sold the furnace prop- 
erty and part of the land to D. K. Jackman and others, who 
in their turn sold out to John and Christopher Fallon. The 
Fallons, it is said, used funds belonging to the Queen of 
Spain to make the purchase, they having collected consid- 
erable money due her from interests she possessed in this 
country. She gave them permission to invest the funds, 
which they did. The investment was rather disastrous to 
the Queen, as the Fallon Brothers were not more successful 
than their predecessors had been. They soon sold out to 
James McHcnry, who sold a portion of the lands, including 
Minersville, (as the upper villages were called,) and the 
property where the rolling mill stood to Fredericks & 
Munro, who in 1873 built their extensive fire brick works, 
which have been in continual operation ever since. During 
the time the Lycoming Coal company operated the works, 
they built a fine large hotel on the river bank, a few rods 
above the bridge, and also built a handsome residence for 
the agent of the company, near the hotel. Both buildings 
at that time attracted considerable attention on account of 
their size and architecture. The hotel was a popular resort, 
and well patronized for many years. It was destroyed by 
fire in the winter of 1892. The agent's house is now unoc- 
cupied and fast going to ruin, and the rooms that once 
echoed to mirth and gayety are desolate and empty. The 



360 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

solitary owl and the winged bat are their only inhabitants, 
but the old mansion is still a gloomy and silent monument of 
the past grandeur of Farrandsville. 

Farrandsville is at present a busy place. Its chief in- 
dustries are Fredericks & Munro's fire brick works, E. H. 
Young & Brother's cigar manufactory, and Fredericks & 
Co.'s lumber mills. 

CIGAR MANUFACTORY. 

One of the most important industries of Farrandsville is 
the cigar manufactory of E. H. Young & Brother. The 
Young family moved from Lycoming county to Farrands- 
ville in 1870. The two brothers, E. H. and W. T. Young, 
started their cigar factory in 1882, in a dwelling house, and 
turned out, as a result of their first year's work, 160,000 
cigars. They sold during the year of 1891 1,250,000 
cigars. The first year they employed but three persons, 
and now employ from twenty-five to thirty. Their trade 
increased so rapidly, that in 1890 they were obliged to 
erect a suitable structure in which to carry on their exten- 
sive business. They, therefore, built the large and com- 
modious building they no\y occupy, which is a handsome 
structure, containing three stories and a basement. The 
building is one of the best arranged and equipped structures 
used for its purpose in the county. The Young Brothers 
occupy handsome and cosy residences near their factory, 
and W. T. Young, the senior member of the firm, owns and 
conducts a general store at Farrandsville, and also acts as 
traveling salesman for the firm. E. H, Young gives his 
personal attention to the management of the business, and 
R. E. Young, another brother, attends to the packing and 
shipping department. E. H. Smith, as foreman, also looks 
after the interests of the firm in a general way. The Young 
Brothers owe their success to their own industry and thrift. 
They now have the confidence of the public, and are con- 
stantly adding to their worldly possessions. They have 
built up the section around them, and now own, besides the 
factory, seven or eight valuable dwellings. 



o 



< n 




PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 36 1 

GLEN UNION. 

GLEN UNION is a small village in Grugan township. 
The place received its name because of the close 
proximity of two glens through which Baker's run and 
Baker's mill run pass. It was named by J. C. Past, formerly 
superintendent of the West Branch Canal & Lock company. 
The village proper is located on the west side of the Susque- 
hanna, and consists of about fifteen double houses, a church 
and school house. The railroad station and a few houses 
are on the east side of the river. A new station has lately 
been erected a few rods above the old one, and the postmas- 
ter, J. K. P. Grugan, has the post-office in his residence. 
The chief industry at Glen Union at the present time is the 
shipping of prop and mining timber to the anthracite coal 
fields by the Glen Union Lumber company. This company 
began operations in 1890. The main office of the company 
is at No. 1 10 South Centre street, Pottsville, Pa. The 
officers of the company are as follows : E. L. Bullock, of 
Audenried, Schuylkill county, president ; J. W. Beecher, of 
Pottsville, Pa., secretary and treasurer. C. K. Sober, of 
Lewisburg, is the general manager, and his nephew, E. J. 
Sober, foreman. This company has erected a steam saw 
and planing mill, with a capacity for sawing 40,000 feet of 
lumber per day. The main part of their business is the 
shipping of prop timber, an average of five car loads being 
shipped from Glen Union station every day. The lumber is 
all carried across the river by means of a cable bridge hung 
on two wire cables, and worked by a stationary engine on 
the west side of the river, capable of bearing a weight of 
eight tons. The lumber is all loaded on trucks, which are 
run on the bridge and fastened. The engine is then started 
and the bridge carried to the east side, where the cars are 
unloaded. The invention was designed and patented by the 
Trenton Iron company, of Trenton, N. J., and is the only 
one of the kind in use in the world, so far as known. The 
power is furnished for the saw mill by an eighty-five horse 
21 



362 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

power engine. From fifty to seventy-five men are given 
steady employment. A dinkey engine is used to carry the 
logs to the mill and the prop timber to the bridge. A neat 
and cozy station has been built by the company. It con- 
tains a handsome waiting room, ticket office, telegraph 
office, store room and ware room. A very pretty residence 
has also been built by the company, which is occupied as a 
dwelling by C. K. Sober, and used as a stopping place for 
the members of the firm and their friends, who frequently 
visit the place. The Glen Union company will, in all prob- 
ability, open up the coal and clay mines in the vicinity in a 
short time, and if this is done the coming historian will have 
more to say of the village of Glen Union. 



HAMMERSLEY'S FORKS. 



HAMMERSLEY'S FORKS post-office, or the village 
of Trout Run, is located in Leidy township, at the 
junction of Trout run and Kettle creek. The place con- 
tains two general stores, kept by Hamilton Fish and 
Frederick Goodman, a coach and blacksmith shop, run 
by James Sullivan. Trout Run village contains about 
fifty inhabitants. It is pleasantly located in sight of "Ox- 
Bow Bend." There is one church in the village. It was 
built about twenty-five years ago. It is a frame struc- 
ture, owned by the Methodist denomination. The present 
pastor of the church is Rev. Sterns. There is one school in 
the place, and an excellent hotel, owned and successfully, 
kept by that veteran hotel man, John Gartsee. The house 
is well arranged and well kept. It contains suitable accom- 
modations for about thirty guests, and is a great resort for 
sportsmen, who frequent the Kettle creek region in search 
of game and fish, both of which have been abundant in days 
gone by. The post-office is called Hammersley's Forks. 
Jt js kept by Hamilton Fish. The village, located as it is 




cIOHN GARTSEE, 



Hammehsley's Forks, Pa 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 363 

in tlic heart of a fine farming region, is quite a pleasant place. 
It is located about fourteen miles from Westport, and per- 
sons desiring to visit the place must leave the railroad at 
Westport and go by stage or private conveyance. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



JOHN GARTSEE. 

JOHN GARTSEE, proprietor of the Trout Run house, and one of the 
leading citizens of Leidy township, was born in Chenango county, 
N, Y., in 1839. Ilis parents emigrated from Ireland, and located 
in the above named county at a very early date. At the age of twenty- 
two Mr. Gartsee entered the army, enlisting in Company C, 61st New 
York Regiment, and after his first term of enlistment expired he re- 
enlisted in Company C, 157th New York Regiment, and served during the 
entire war. On receiving his discharge he went to Portland, Maine, 
where he remained four years. He then came to Clinton county, and 
located at Hammersley's Forks, where he took charge of the Trout Run 
house, which he has kept ever since. John Gartsee is a prominent and 
influential citizen of not only Leidy township, but of Clinton county. He 
has filled the various offices of the townsliip at different times, and held 
the position as postmaster of the village for nine years and three months, 
under a Republican administration. He received his appointment 
through the late Hon. Simon Cameron, and filled the position to the en- 
tire satisfaction of both parties. His reputation as a landlord is wide- 
spread, and as a man he enjoys the confidence and respect of all. He is 
an uncompromising Democrat, and one of the leaders of his party in the 
section in which he resides. He is a hotel man of experience, and knows 
how to make his guests comfortable. No one ever visited his house, as a 
friend or guest, who was not well pleased with the treatment re- 
ceived at his hands. 



HAMILTON FISH. 

Hamilton Fish, one of the leading business men and most prom- 
inent citizens of Leidy township, was born June 6th, 1830, in the 
town of Campbell, state of Maine. He came to Leidy township 
March 12th, 1854. The first seven years after he came to the township he 
was employed by the firm of Merriman, Corbett & Co., lumbermen. This 
firm gave up business when the war broke out, and Mr. Fish rented their 
saw mill and farm, and retained possession of both until 1865, when the 
mill was destroyed by the flood. Mr. Fish is now engaged in the general 
mercantile business, and is considered one of the successful business meu 
of Clinton county. 



364 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

NICHOLAS WATT. 

Nicholas Watt, better known as 'Squire Watt, was born in 
Schuylkill county, May 30th, 1834. He is one of the pioneer settlers 
of Kettle creek. He came to that region in September, 1848. 
'Squire Watt is a useful citizen. He is a carpenter, a surveyor, and the 
only undertaker in his township. He was married January 5th, 1857, to 
Lois Sumraerson, a dauijhter of one of the first settlers of Clinton county, 
the mother of Mrs. Watt being the first white child born on Kettle creek, 
and also the first white woman married in the Kettle creek region. In 
18G0 Mr. Watt was elected justice of the peace for Leidy township, a 
position which he has held ever since. 'Squire Watt's court is quite a 
prominent feature of Leidy township, and so well satisfied are all with his 
verdicts that there has never been but two appeals made from his decis- 
ions during his long term of office, and one of these two was afterwards 
settled, and his decision sustained in the other case. During his term of 
office as justice of the peace he has married 154 couples. He wns elected 
one of the jury commissioners of Clinton county in 1887, which position 
he acceptably filled. 



WOOLRICH. 



WOOLRICH, a village of 100 inhabitants, is nestled in 
a valley through which flows Chatham's run. a pure 
mountain stream of free stone water. The principal indus- 
try of the place is the woolen mill of John Rich & Brothers. 
Tobacco growing, farming and a saw mill make up the bal- 
ance of industry. A school house and a newly repaired 
church is located here. An Epworth league and a literary 
society give advantages to the young who manifest an in- 
terest in both societies. 

The woolen business is co-existent with the place, having 
been established in 1830. It has kept abreast of the times, 
introducing the latest improved machinery, and to-day is a 
complete equipped two-set yarn, flannel and blanket mill, 
with the addition of a knitting department of twelve 
machines for the knitting of lumbermen's leggings, mittens, 
socks, etc. Lock Haven, seven miles distant, is connected 
by telephone. 




HAMILTON FISH, 
Hammersley's Forks, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 365 

LOCKPORT. 



THE village of Lockport is located on the opposite side 
of the river from Lock Haven. It is located on what 
was at one time the Nathaniel Hannafarm. It was laid out 
in lots at about the same time Lock Haven was started. In 
1800 there was a distillery, located in what is now known 
as Still Hollow. 

In 1834 the old Hanna hotel was built. It was kept for 
a time by J. P. Huling, afterwards by Coleman Huling, 
Hoaglander, Alexander Mahon, Benjamin Myers, also by a 
man named Vosburg, and last by R. M. Hanna. This hotel 
burned in 1858. 

The Woodward house was built in 1847. Benjamin 
Myers kept hotel in this house until 1852. From that date 
until 1858 William Quigley had charge of the house. 
Sheriff Hanna was the next landlord. In 1866 the Wood- 
ward house was sold to John Ferguson & Co. The build- 
ing is now used as a store and dwelling by Lewis Hoover. 

In 1853 the post-office was established. Thomas Bailey 
was first postmaster. The office was for a time called Love- 
land. The western addition to the town was at one time a 
part of the Joseph Hanna farm, which was purchased in 
1855 by William White, and by him laid out into lots. 

The first store in the village of Lockport was kept by 
William Caldwell, next by Hanna & Sons, and also by 
Henry Schultz. Mrs. Agnes Bigger started a store in the 
place in 1842. This store was afterwards kept by Thomas 
Blackburn. 

The first brewery was built in i860 by Baucher & Garger. 
It was burned in 1863. Baucher rebuilt it, and in 1865 he 
sold to Widman & Pepper. It was again burned in Feb- 
ruary, 1876, and was rebuilt by Rudolph Widman the same 
year. 

The Mackey property, containing fifty acres of land, and 
located on the hill, was purchased by Hon. L, A. Mackey 



356 PAST And present of clintoK county. 

in 1854 from Nathaniel Hanna. Mr. Mackey expended a 
great deal of money in improving and fitting up the place. 
It was beautifully laid out, and tastefully decorated vith or- 
namental trees and shrubs. The place is now owned by Dr. 
F. P. Ball, of Lock Haven. 

Lockport was at one time the head market for the lumber 
floated down the West Branch. Two thousand eight hun- 
dred rafts were floated down the river in one season. The 
hotel, kept at one tim.e by R. M. Hanna, entertained 20,000 
men during one rafting season. One thousand four hun- 
dred persons were fed at this hotel in one day. The Wood- 
ward house also entertained as high as 25,000 men in one 
season. These were the good old times of which our 
fathers speak. Those days were prosperous ones for Lock- 
port and Lock Haven, but they have gone to return no 
more. In a short time rafting will be a thing of the past. 
The children of the next generation will look in vain for a 
raft of square timber on the West Branch. 

At present there are about sixty-five dwellings in the 
village of Lockport, and the place contains about 300 in- 
habitants. There is one store in the village, kept by Lewis 
Hoover ; one blacksmith shop, kept by Daniel Mulachai ; one 
brewery, run by Rudolph Widman, and one school house. 
The June flood of 1889 did considerable damage to Lock- 
port. 



LAMAR. 



LAMAR is situated in the southwestern part of Clinton 
county, on the Nittany and Brush valley turnpike, 
about twelve miles from Lock Haven. Its location is such 
as cannot fail to attract the attention of those who are at- 
tracted by beauty. Fishing creek, as it goes rushing 
through and past it ; the beautiful woods, the fine roads and 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 367 

the romantic surroundings all contribute to make Lamar one 
of the most beautiful and healthy situated villages in the 
count}'. 

The early history of Lamar is much contradicted, but, by 
careful investigation, we have obtained what we believe to 
be a correct history of the place. 

The original name of Lamar was Belles Springs, and was 
given it by its first settlers. Subsequently it was known as 
Yankeetown. Lamar was the name of the post-office fronj 
the time of its establishment. The name Yankeetown grad- 
ually fiidcd away, and Lamar, (the village name of the post- 
office,) took its place, and by that name is known to-day. 

The first post-office was established about 1832, with 
Nathan Hippie as postmaster. The office was located in a 
stone house, which is still standing, at the bridge across 
Fishing creek, at the northern entrance to the village. The 
building was used as a store and post-office. 

Among the earliest settlers of the place were David Wat- 
son and his two brothers, William and John, who settled 
thereabout 1795. Other early settlers were: John Dorn- 
blaser, Philip Walker, Valentine Myers, Charles Beck and 
Andrew Shields. These men, who have long since passed 
away, left honest, industrious and intelligent descendants, 
who form the main part of the population of the place. 

In 1841 James Hays and his nephew. Nelson, built what 
is now known as the R. Loveland Axe works. Hays sold 
to Loveland & Eddy, from whose hands it went to Reuben 
Loveland, Sr. At his death his son, H. D. Loveland, took 
charge of the works, and in a short time took in, as a 
partner, E. E. Hyatt, who soon dropped the business, leav- 
ing it in Mr. Loveland's hands. A company was then 
formed, with H. D. Loveland as president, and Ira C. Eddy 
as secretary and treasurer, who do business under the firm 
name of The R. Loveland Axe Co., limited. 

Lamar has a church, school house, town hall, one black- 
smith shop, axe factory, meat market and store. The post 



368 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLtNTON COUNTY. 

office is in the store room, in charge of W. F. Loveland as 
postmaster. The second floor of the store building com- 
poses the town hall, which is a credit to the place. 

The place boasts of two secret societies — the Knights of 
the Golden Eagle and Clinton grange, P. of H. 

The place is beautifully located, and surrounded by fine 
scenery. Its citizens are honest, quiet and law-abiding. A 
railroad is all that is needed to make the village of Lamar a 
booming and enterprising town. 



FLEMINGTON. 



THIS village is located one mile and a half west of Lock 
Haven. It is located partly on the Allison survey, 
and partly on the tract of 282 acres patented to Lieutenant 
Daniel Hunsicker, as per survey made for him in March, 
1769. The village was first laid out by Mr. Houston, and 
called Flemington, in honor of Hon. John Fleming, whose 
father purchased the Allison tract. Afterwards General E. 
W. Sturdivant and Hon. George Bressler, sons-in-law of Mr. 
Houston, laid out additional lots. The last addition to the 
village was made by W. S. Woods at its eastern end. 

Among the first settlers of the village were: C. S. Porter, 
Harmon Starn, Abraham Slenker, James Moore, John Mc- 
Gregor, John Larkins, John Stover, William Laverty and 
James Chatham. The first house erected in the village 
stood near the site now occupied by the residence of 
Joseph Furst. 

Abraham Slenker, a carpenter and boat builder by trade, 
moved to this place from Northumberland county, and built 
a commodious house and raised his family, most of whom 
still reside in the town. Jacob Slenker, his son, is one of 
the oldest inhabitants now remaining. One of the celebrities 
of the place was an educated English gentleman, C. S. 
Berkley, a school teacher. He was the teacher of many of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTV. 369 

the men who have since become prominent in the history of 
our country; among whom, perhaps, Thaddeus Stevens 
was most famous. James D. Council moved here from 
Beech Creek in 1848, and engaged in shoemaking, and fol- 
lowed the business for thirty-five years. The town has 
always been well supplied with stores. The first one, 
owned by Henry Essig, was erected where the post-office 
now is. Mr. Essig was the first postmaster in Flemington. 
In 1854 a firm, consisting of W. S. Woods, J. B. McWil- 
liams, Hugh Conley, and J. D. Sterrett, built a very large 
grist mill, and carried on the flour and feed business on a 
large scale until 1861, when the mill was burned. In 1864 
W. S. Woods and S. G. Wright, under the firm name of 
Woods & Wright, built a new mill, and continued in the 
flour and feed business until 1867, when they sold out to 
Packer & Packer, who carried on that business in connec- 
tion with the mercantile business for several years. They 
were succeeded by Hays & Co., and they in turn by the 
Foresman & Kelsey Milling Co. In the year i860 William 
Parsons and his son, H. C. Parsons, built a saw mill, and 
carried on the lumber business on a large scale for many 
years ; the business finally passed into the hands of Kreamer, 
Mann & Co., who continued it until the fall of 1884, when 
the mill was burned. The town now contains the general 
stores of G. W. Fredericks, who carries a very large stock of 
dry goods, groceries, hardware, queensware, flour, feed, etc.; 
Joseph H, Long, who also has a general store; Frank 
Waitz, drugs and groceries; P. M. Leitzel, tinware and 
stoves; Frank Berry, groceries, etc.; W. W. Brown & Son, 
groceries; A. J. Moore, groceries; Lewis Hamberger, 
bakery; B. F. Hursh carries on wagon making and black- 
smithing; W. I. Harvey conducts the Flemington foundry 
and deals in all kinds of agricultural implements. The 
well-known firm of builders and contractors, J. P. Bressler 
and W. D. Tidlow, reside here; they are the builders of the 
present Central State Normal school buildings at Lock 
Haven. There are two churches in the place, the Christian 



370 PAST AND PRESEMT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

and Methodist. The town has one hotel, successfully kept 
by Dr. Frank Waitz, in the building where the first hotel in 
the town was kept. The structure has been greatly remod- 
eled and improved by its present owner and proprietor, 

James Carskaddon, Jr., at one time had a ware house on the 
canal, and dealt extensively in grain of all kinds, which he 
shipped to the Eastern markets by canal. He also con- 
ducted a store, and was for a time postmaster of the village 
His brick dwelling at the east end of the town was the 
third house erected in Flemington. 

L. G. Brown came to the town in 1858, and began the 
wagon making business, which he has conducted successfully 
ever since. 

Joseph Long began business in 1858. For a time he 
dealt extensively in grain, and on one occasion shipped 2,000 
bushels of clover seed to Philadelphia, loose, in a canal boat. 

A. J. Moore began business in 1881, and was postmaster 
for seven years. 

The first resident physician of Flemington was Dr. A. W. 
Heilman. The present resident physician is Dr. B. S. Hall. 

The village was incorporated as a borough in 1864, and 
remained as such until March 28th, 1868, when the borough 
was annexed to Lock Haven. It thus lost its charter as an 
independent borough, and July 15th, 1878, Allison town- 
ship re-created and Flemington became a part of it, and 
so it remains at present. 



BIOGRAPHY. 



B. S. HALL, M. D. 

DR. B. S. HALL, present resident physician of Flemington, was born 
in Beech Creek township May 20th, 1857. He attended the public 
schools until eighteen years of age, after which he spent one year 
at Dickinson seminary, and later spent two years at Millersville Normal 
school. He then read medicine with Dr. Burrell, of Salona, and gradu- 
ated from the University of Pennsylvania March, 1881. After his gradu- 
ation he located at Flemington, where he has since remained. Dr. Hall 
was married St. Patrick's Day, 1887, to Sadie Stuart, of Flemington. 
His office and residence is located at the corner of Bellefonte avenue and 
Huston street, Flemington, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 37 1 

DUNNSTOWN. 



DUNNSTO WN, the oldest village within the limits of 
Clinton county, was laid out by William Dunn in 
1794. At that time Lycoming county was about being 
formed, and Dunn expected to have his town made the 
county seat. His expectations were never realized. The 
pioneer residents of the village were the Myers, Whites, 
Curns, Fargus, Reeds and Mannas. The village was laid 
out on the site of art old Indian town. The first post-office 
established within the limits of w hat is now Clinton county 
was established at Dunnstown aboutthe year 1800. Francis 
Fargus was the first postmaster. It is not known how long 
the office was continued. 

The first saw mill in the place was built in 1850 by 
Crovvel & Burton, two Maine Yankees. It afterwards 
came into the possession of Hopkins & Weymouth, and con- 
tinued in operation until 1883. The frame work and the 
stack of this mill are still standing. 

Another mill was erected by S. L. M. Conser in 1853. It 
was not a success, and was torn away. Another mill was 
erected on the same site. This mill was owned in 1862 by 
Crowel & Bickford, and later by S. M. Bickford & Co. It 
burned down in 1879 and was not rebuilt. 

The first store in Dunnstown was kept by Francis 
Fargus. 

Religious services were first held at the place by Rev. 
Jones, a Baptist minister. 

The M. E. church was erected in 1850. Prior to this 
services were held in an old log school house. A pro- 
tracted meeting was held at one time in the barn of Major 
McCloskey. It was conducted by Rev. I. H. Torrence. 

The school house mentioned above stood on the site now 
occupied by the house of William Clymer. An Irishman 
committed suicide at this school house, and his body was 
buried in a field near by. 



3^2 PAST AiSID PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The first hotel in the village stood at the east end of the 
town. It was first kept by John White. In 1828 George 
King was its proprietor. Afterwards it was kept by J. Rul- 
ing, William White, David McCloskey, and last by Jacob 
Myers. A ferry was kept here for many years. It was 
known as Myers' ferry. The north end of this house was at 
one time a part of the old distillery, which was erected 
shortly after the town was laid out. A tannery was built on 
the west side of Reed's run. This industry was known for 
a long time as " Reed's Tannery." It ceased operations 
many years ago. 

In 1855 the post-office at Lockport was removed to 
Dunnstown, and was then called the Dunnstown post-office. 
Jacob Myers was the postmaster. The office was after- 
wards removed to Liberty, then back to Dunnstown, and 
finally returned to Liberty, and the name changed to 
" Island Post-Office." 

In 1846 Dunnstown contained about thirty houses, in- 
cluding hotels, stores, etc. At present the place contains 
forty five houses and about 240 inhabitants. It also con- 
tains a Methodist church and a good school house. The 
oldest houses in the village at the present time is the old 
hotel building now owned by Theodore Myers, and a house 
now owned and occupied by John Ritchie. The latter 
structure was erected by Ezra Riley in 1826. 

A. C. Kissel, at present one of the county commissioners 
of Clinton county, lives in Dunnstown, and now owns and 
occupies the brick mansion erected by S. L. M. Couser in 
1852. Mr, Kissel also owns the tract of land belonging to 
the old mill property of S. L. M. Couser & Co., and has, by 
careful management, brought the said land to a high and 
productive state of cultivation. 

The town is beautifully located, and blessed with an abund- 
ance of pure, fresh water. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 373 

CHARLTON. 



THE village of Charlton is located on the bank of the 
Susquehanna, in Pine Creek township. The village is 
built upon a tract of land warranted to Andrew Kinkaid, of 
Philadelphia, in 1781. The land was purchased in 1785 by 
Thomas Proctor, Sr. In 1792 he deeded the part of said 
tract, upon which the village of Charlton now stands, to his 
sister, Jane Charlton, and from her the place received its 
name. 

The first house in the village was erected in 1839. There 
was a house built on the Cook tract, north of Charlton, in 
1785, by Robert Crawford. In 1786 Mr. Crawford erected 
a tannery, which was operated as late as 1875, and probably 
later by 'Squire A. C. Kissel. 

In the year 1843 there were but six houses in the village. 
The dwelling erected in 1785 was torn down in i860. 

In May, 1844, John F. Ramm, of Philadelphia, opened a 
store in the village, and succeeded, by the help of others, in 
establishing a post-office. The office was named West 
Branch, and Henry Myer was appointed first postmaster. 
In 1S50 the office was moved to Quiggle & Co.'s store, at 
the mouth of the run, and called thereafter Chatham's Run 
post-office, a name it still retains. 

The village of Charlton contains at present about seven- 
teen dwellings, one church, (Methodist,) one school house, 
one blacksmith shop, run by Frederick Swope, one under- 
taking establishment, conducted by John Strausser, one 
boot and shoe store, kept by Peter Marks, and one grocery 
store kept by Elias Cramer. The village has one physician 
in the person of Dr. Stokes. 

Among the leading citizens of Charlton not mentioned 
above are: George F. Ramm, William Waters, Charles 
Marks, Frank Lanks, George M. Betts and Stewart Condon. 

The place is not so flourishing as in days gone by, but it 
is pleasantly located and populated by an industrious and 
law-abiding people. 



374 P-'^ST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

CLINTONDALE. 



CLTNTONDALE is pleasantly located on Fishing creek, 
in Porter township. Thejvillage contains one church 
— Evangelical — of which Rev. J. J. Lohr is present pastor; 
two graded public schools, one grist mill with the latest 
modern improved machinery, with James Bouse as miller. 
The mill is owned by the heirs of the late Allison White. 
One general store, controlled by the said heirs, with W. F. 
Brown as business manager ; one grocery and shoe store 
combined, kept by T. F. Ohl , two blacksmith shops, one 
kept by David Wolf, and the other by William Miller ; 
The village has one justice of the peace. Prof J. S. Harter, 
and one excellent physician, Dr. J. H. Huston, who resides 
in one of the finest residences in Porter township. The 
place has a post-office, kept in the store room of the W. A. 
White Milling Co. The citizens of Clintondale are indus- 
trious and enterprising, and the village itself a delightful 
place. Only a short distance from the town is the site 
of the old camp meeting ground, kept up at one time by the 
Evangelical association. The holding of camp meetings on 
these grounds has been given up, and the ground, although 
a delightful spot in itself, now presents a very dilapidated 
appearance. 



PINE STATION. 



PINE STATION, located along the Philadelphia & Erie 
railroad, in Wayne township, contains about twenty 
dwellings, one Methodist church, one school house, two 
stores, kept by H. T. Kessler and Frank Maroney, one post- 
office, with H. F. Kessler as postmaster. The village con- 
tains about 1 20 inhabitants. The pump station of the Stand- 
ard Oil Co. is located here, and furnishes employment to half 
half a dozen persons. The place has one hotel, owned by R. C- 
Quiggle. Among the prominent residents of Pine Station 
are the Quiggles. R. C. Quiggle, whose portrait appears in 




R. C. QUIGGLE, 



Pine Station, Clinton County, Pa. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 375 

this volume is one of the leading citizens of Wayne town- 
ship. The Pine M. E. church was erected in 1874, at a cost 
of j&2,235. The Ebenezcr church was erected by the Evan- 
gelical association in 1875, at a cost of $2,800. Both are 
neat and comfortable structures. 



McELHATTAN. 



McELHATTAN is a small village located, on the Phila- 
delphia & Erie railroad, in Wayne township. The 
place contains two stores, kept by A. S. Stavley and John 
H. Chatham, Jr.; one licensed hotel, kept by Mrs. Catha- 
rine Beiser; a post-office, with A. S. Stavley as postmaster ; 
two churches, one Methodist, and the other Union. The 
former was built in 1873, at a cost of $2,800. The latter 
was erected in 1S53, at a cost of ^800. The place contains 
a freight station, ticket office and telegraph office. Mc- 
Elhattan was formerly called Wayne Station. 



WAYNE. 



THE village of Wayne is located on the Beech Creek 
railroad, in Wayne township. The place contains one 
store, kept by B. C. Young, who is also present postmaster; 
one grist mill, owned and run by Jacob Quiggle, Jr. ; two 
blacksmith shops, run by A. S. Showers and J. T. Sheddy; 
also a ticket office, freight station and telegraph office. 



KEATING. 



KEATING, located on the Philadelphia & Erie railroad, 
in East Keating township, contains one store and 
post-office, kept by ex-County Treasurer Wallace Gakle, 
and one hotel, kept by John Gakle, his son. The Keating 
hotel is one of the finest structures of its kind in the county. 
It is a frame building, four stories high, built and owned by 



376 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Hon. J. W. Merrey. The house affords accommodations for 
fifty persons. It is well kept, at all times, and one of the 
greatest resorts for sportsmen on the line of the Philadel- 
phia & Erie railroad. The village has a ticket, freight and 
telegraph office, but no churches or industries. 



CASTANEA. 



TH E village of Castanea is located about one mile southeast 
of Lock Haven, in Castanea township. In 1871 Jacob 
Brown and Peter W. Keller purchased the farm of Joseph 
Hamberger, near Harvey's Gap, on the south side of Bald 
Eagle creek, and laid out the village of Castanea. Soon 
after they purchased the place they began selling lots, which 
were improved upon until now the village contains about 
thirty dwellings, a large brick school house, in which a 
graded school is conducted six months in the year, an ex- 
tensive brewery, conducted by Ferdinand Lucas, brewer of 
the celebrated Castanea beer. The village is on the line of 
the Beech Creek railroad, and contains a freight station, 
ticket and telegraph office. There was a post-office in the 
place at one time, but it was discontinued, and the residents 
of the village get their mail in Lock Haven. The place is 
pleasantly located, healthy and attractive. The Bald Eagle 
is crossed by a costly and substantial iron bridge, erected in 
1892, and the town is likely to increase in size and popula- 
tion. The agent for the Beech Creek railroad company at 
Castanea, at present writing, is Andrew Harris, son of Alder- 
man J. W. Harris, of Lock Haven. 



DESERTED VILLAGES IN CLINTON COUNTY. 



REVELTOWN. 

REVELTOWN, a deserted mining village of Clinton 
county, is located at what was known as the Revel 
Mines, about nine miles from the town of Beech Creek. 
The mines were operated and the town laid out in the year 
of 1853. The manager was an Englishman, named John 
Revel, sometimes called General Revel, but by what 
authority he held his title we know not. The mines were 
operated by a company of New York men, who did busi- 
ness in the firm name of Ashfield & Co. The town con- 
sisted of twenty dwellings for the miners, a grand mansion 
for the manager, a school house, blacksmith shop, store and 
stables. The tract of land consisted of 3,600 acres, about 
200 of which was cleared and farmed. The mines were 
worked for four or five years, and then, on account of the 
smailness of the veins and various other reasons, they were 
abandoned and have never since been touched. To-day the 
town of Rev^el is deserted, the miner's dwellings have 
crumbled into decay, and the grand old English mansion, 
which was built to suit the taste of General Revel, is now 
but a wreck of its former grandeur. Cattle roam at will 
over the lawns and orchards, and seek shelter from the 
noonday sun in the parlor that once echoed to the mirth of 
voices long since hushed. General Revel is dead, his family 
gone, and Reveltown will soon be an unknown place. 

PEACOCK. 

Not one mile from Reveltown once stood the thriving 
mining village of Peacock. These mines were opened in 
1854 by a New York firm, doing business in the name of 
Potter & Co. General John Revel was also superintendent 
of these works. The town consisted of about sixty dwell- 
ings and a large boarding house that could accommodate 

25 



3/8 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

lOO persons, and was kept by Joseph W. Bigony. About 
2,500 tons of coal was taken from these mines, but. none 
was shipped away. In 1858 the mines were leased by 
Robert Crawford, of Lock Haven, and John Revel. The 
latter sold his interest to Crawford for ;^5,ooo a few years 
later, and the mines, not paying, were also abandoned. 
The miners left, the houses were deserted, and to-day not 
even a log is left to mark the spot where once stood the 
busy mining town of Peacock. 

ROCK CABIN. 

Rock Cabin, which was, perhaps, the largest miningtown 
of all, was laid out by the Fallon Brothers, of Philadelphia, 
in 1853, ^^'^ the mines opened the same year. A great 
deal of money was lost here, and there was never more 
than 3,000 tons of coal shipped. About 1 1 ,000 tons were 
destroyed by fire. The superintendent of the mines was a 
Scotchman, named John Somerville, (father of James Somer- 
ville, who was for many years a resident of Bellefonte.) 
These mines were operated at different times for about six 
years, but were at last given up, and the town of 100 houses 
left to fall into ruins. A traveler passing the place to-day 
would not know that there ever was a town or even a 
dwelling on the spot that once boasted as lively a mining 
village as was to be found in the Keystone state. 

EAGLETON. 

Probably the most important of the four mining towns of 
the Tangascootac region was the town of Eagleton. It 
contained about sixty dwellings, a store and office, and all 
other necessary buildings. The town was built by the 
Eagleton Co., in 1853. The mines were opened at the same 
time. The first and only superintendent the Eagleton 
mines ever had was George Armstrong, who was born and 
reared at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, one of the greatest mining 
regions of England. He superintended the opening of the 
mines and the building of the town, in 1853, and was the 
last man to leave the place when the mines were abandoned, 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 379 

in 1865. The mines at Eagleton were prosperous for a time, 
and the town of Eagleton a very lively place. One of the 
first strikes known in Central Pennsylvania occurred at 
these mines in 1865. Sheriff Smith and a posse were called 
to the scene, but the men were peaceable, and a compromise 
was soon effected between them and the company. They 
again went to work, but the mines for various reasons were 
no longer profitable, and the miners soon sought homes else- 
where. The branch railroad, which connected with the 
Sunbury & Erie railroad at Queen's Run bridge, and ex- 
tended a distance of over ten miles to the mines of the 
Eagleton Co., was torn up, and the town and much valuable 
material left to fall into decay. A forest fire soon after- 
wards destroyed every vestige of the once thriving mining 
town of Eagleton. Archibald Munro, now senior member 
of the firm of Fredericks & Munro, of Farrandsville, was 
time keeper and paymaster at Eagleton for several years. 



OLD FAMILIES OF CLINTON COUNTY. 



M COBMICK FAMILY. 

PROMINENT among those early pioneers, who were first to jjlant 
their rude cabins in the forests of the West Branch valley, were 
the ancestors of the present generation of McCorniicks. The great- 
grandfather of the present generation, whose name was John McCor- 
mick, was born in Ireland in 1748. When he was twelve years old his 
parents emigrated to this country, leaving him on the Emerald Isle to be 
educated by his grandparents. After the family had departed for 
America, he became lonely for the companionship of his parents, brothers 
and sisters, and decided to follow them. He ran away from his grand- 
parents, and hid himself on board a vessel bound for America, and after 
enduring the haps and mishaps of a stowaway, he fimilly made the voyage, 
and found himself in Philadelphia, penniless and among strangers. Being 
possessed with a due share of Scotch-Irish pluck and determination, he 
sought employment, and worked until he obtained sufficient funds to pay 
his expenses to the home of his parents, in Chester county. When he 
reached the dwelling of his family, his mother met him at the door, and 
refused him admission, not recognizing in the lad before her the son she 
had left to be a comfort and stay to his grandparents. He proved his 
identity, however, by removing his hat, and showing a scar on his fore- 
head. He remained in Chester county until 1772, when he came to 
Loyalsock, Lycoming county, where he remained until the spring of 1773, 
when he removed to the lower point of the Big Island, (as it was then 
called,) and built himself a rude dwelling, which was known as the Sas- 
safras cabin. He married a daughter of Robert Fleming, Esq., and 
afterwards purchased of Joseph Fleming the tract of land called Syca- 
more Point, between the Susquehanna river and the Bald Eagle creek. 
A biographical sketch, published at the time of his death, alludes to him 
as follows : "He participated to some extent in the struggle of the Revo- 
lution, although circumstances did not require him to take part in any 
actual engagement with the British. In common with all the hardy 
pioneers of this region, he was long in danger at the hands of the savages. 
He was one of tlie leaders in the pursuit of the Indians who murdered 
Messrs. Jones, Saltsman. Delong, Culbertson and son, who were killed by 
the Indians near the residence of Thomas Bridgens, in Allison townshi|), 
in 1777. He also was among those wlio pursued the murderers of Messrs. 
Fleming and Donaldson at Pine Creek Ripples, in 1778. In 1778 he 
participated in the Big Runaway, and once more took up his residence in 
Chester county, where he remained until 1786, when he returned to his 
pioneer cabin on the banks of the Susquehanna, and lived there, or within 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 38 1 

one mile of the spot, the reiiiaimler of his life. His dealii occurred in 
1836. His life was a checkered one, blending hardship, danger and ad- 
venture with success, poverty, wealth, sorrow and happiness." 

John McCorraiek was one of the organizers of the Great Island Presbj'- 
terian church, and his name heads the subscription list, gotten up to 
provide for the minister's salary for the year 1788. 

The names of his children were Alexander, Benjamin, John, Joseph, 
David, MoUie, Elizabeth, Robert and Saul. Elizabeth, the last survivor 
of the family, died in 1868. Benjamin was drowned when but a boy, in 
the river near his home. David and Saul were ruling elders in the Great 
Island church, and Alexander at his death bequeathed $500 to the said 
church, the interest of which has helped towards the salary of the pastor 
since 1850. 

Although the children of John McCormick are all dead and gone, yet 
his descendants are numerous and prominently connected with the present 
importance of Clinton county. 

Plis son, Robert McCormick, was married in February, 1821, to Miss 
Mary Wiiite, a daughter of Colonel John White, of Pine Creek township. 
They had nine children, one daughter and eight sons. The daughter, 
who was named Elizabeth, became the wife of Robert McOowan, of 
Jersey Shore, but died years ago. Three of the sons have also died, 
namely: James, George and Alfred. John, another son, is a practicing 
physician at Leavenworth, Kan., where he has been for the last thirty 
years. Saul is a resident of Wiona, Minn. The other three, namely: 
Robert W., Henry and Charles S., are residents of Lock Haven at the 
present time. Robert McCoimick, Sr., met with an accident, which re- 
sulted in his death. He was crossing the track of the Philadeli)hia & 
Erie railroad, when his wagon was struck by an engine. He was thrown 
out, receiving serious injury. He was carried to the residence of his son, 
Charles, on Water street, where he died Sunday, October 20th, 1867. 
His wife survived him eleven years. She died at the home of her son, 
Henry, November 12th, 1878. 

The estimable wife of Hon. C. A. Mayer is a daughter of Saul jNIcCor- 
mick. J. Fleming McCormick, now deceased, who was for many years a 
resident of Nittany Valley, was a son of Joseph McCormick, and S. 
Miller McCormick, one of the leading members of the Clinton county 
bar, is a grandson of Alexander McCormick. Robert McCormick's sons 
are all married, and have children. Henry, who resides on West Main 
street, has one daughter, Mary, who is yet a young lady, residing with 
her parents. Robert, who resides on Water street, has three children, 
two sons and one daughter. His eldest son, John Fleming McCormick, 
is engaged with his father iu the lumber business at Lock Haven. He 
was married in June, 1891, to Jennie, only daughter of Charles Corss, 
Esq. The second son, William McCormick, is an attorney and a mem- 
ber of the Allegheny county bar. He resides in Pittsburg. The daughter, 
Mary McCormick, resides with her parents. 



382 PAST AND Present Of clinton countV. 

Charles McCormick, Esq., has three son, Allison W., who is a member 
of Clinton county bar, Sydney Fleming, another son, is engaged in the 
lumber business at Luverne, Minn., and Robert, the youngest, is at present 
a student of LaPayette college. 

The present generation of McCormicks have inherited from their 
pioneer ancestors a due share of Scotch-Irish pluck and enterprise. The 
representatives of the family to-day are all successful in their chosen oc- 
cupations. They are noted for their generosity, and are always found 
ready;,and willing to contribute their share towards the furthering of any 
worthy enterprise. 

In politics they are, with few exceptions, true blue Democrats. In their 
religious belief they follow the doctrines of the Presbyterian church, and 
for more than a century past the family has been prominently connected 
with the Great Island Presbyterian church of Lock Haven. 

FLEMING FAMILY. 

Prominent among the early settlers of the West Branch valley was John 
Fleming. He was a descendant of the Earl of Wigton, a Scottish noble- 
man. His ancestry can be traced back to the fourteenth century. In 
1773 he secured possession of a large tract of land lying between the Sus- 
quehanna river and the Bald Eagle creek, which is the land upon which 
the city of Lock Haven and part of Flemington now stands. His terri- 
tory was a part of the Dr. Francis Allison tract. After the death of 
John Fleming, which occurred in 1777, his land, consisting of over 1,600 
acres, was divided among his five sons and three daughters, namely: 
Joseph, John, David, Robert, Ezekiel, Mary, Elizabeth and Rosana. 
John Fleming built a house on the bank of the Susquehanna, near the 
abutments of the dam, where he died in 1777. Several hearth stones of 
the chimney of this house were found by workmen in excavating for the 
erection of the abutments at the time the dam was built, nearly half a 
century later. 

His son, the Hon, John Fleming, who came to this section in 1773, was 
appointed one of the associate judges of Lycoming county by Governor 
Mifflin, in 1798. He was a native of Chester county. Pa., and born near 
the London Cross Roads. He was married to Susan Chatham, a daughter 
of Colonel Chatham, who at one time owned a mill and a large tract of 
land at Chatham's Run. Mrs. Fleming was born in Dublin, Ireland, 
coming to this country when an infant. She died in 1824. Hon. John 
Fleming had nine childi-en, namely: General Robert Fleming, John 
Fleming, who was one of the first associate judges of Clinton county; 
Algernon Sydney, who was sheriff of the county from 1866 to 1869; Eze- 
kiel, who went to Kentucky in 1888; William, who died at Alton, 111., in 
1846; Sarah, who married Joseph Montgomery; Nancy, who married 
David McCormick, and Mary, who was the wife of Hon. Joseph Quay. 

Algernon S. Fleming was elected sheriff of Clinton county in 1866, but 
died before the expiration of his term. He had seven children, four sons 
and three daughters, all of whom are living at the present time. His 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 383 

eldest soil, James E, Fleming, is a coal dealer of Newark, N. J., where 
he has resided since 1865. His second son is Robert I., who was post- 
master of Lock Haven after the death of W, W. Rankin. He is now 
superintending the lumber interests ot W. A. Simpson. Sr., at Brookville, 
Jefferson county. Pa. George M. Fleming, the third son, is now a citizen 
of Chicago, where he is employed as postal detective, having received this 
appointment during the term of Grover Cleveland. The next son is J. 
Wistar Fleming, who was deputy sheriff under his father, and elected to 
the office in 1872. A. S. A. Fleming, another son, is a resident of Hunt- 
ingdon county, in the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad company. 
The daughters are Susan C, now the wife of Charles S. Mc-Cormick, Esq.; 
Ellen, the wife of H. J. Nice, at present residing at Bellefonte, and 
Maud, the youngest of the family, who is married to Charles Ward, a 
brother of Monte Ward. 

The Fleming family endured the hardships belonging to pioneer life, 
and they possessed sufTicient pluck to make them formidable Indian 
fighters. In 1777 the fighting force of Reed's Fort consisted of fifteen 
men, about one-third of the number being Flemings. It is also a fact 
worth mentioning that they were the last to holdout against abandoning 
the fort at the time of the Big Runaway in 1778, although liable at any 
moment to be surrounded by the large force of Indians, in which case 
they would have been outnumbered 100 to 1. 

Robert Fleming, who was an uncle of Algernon S., father of the present 
generations of Flemings, was the first justice of the peace in this section. 
It is said that his jurisdiction extended from Pine creek to Lake Erie. 
On one occasion when plowing in a field on the Great Island, he was con- 
fronted by a young couple who had come all the way from Lake Erie to 
be married. He stopped his plow and performed the ceremony, which 
united the two "souls with but a single thought," and then invited them 
to take dinner with him, which they did. 

Plemington was named in honor of Hon. John Fiennng, appointed as- 
sociate judge of Lycoming county in 1798. Judge Fleming was one of 
the first elders of the Great Island Presbyterian church, which was built 
in 1792. 

At the time of the Big Runaway, the Flemings left with the others, 
and returned to Chester county. Pa., where they remained until 1783, 
when they came back to their forest home, on the bank of the Susque- 
hanna, where they found their dwellings almost as they had left them, 
the Indians not having disturbed anything, and in a short time they were 
comfortably situated, and were never afterwards molested. The vener- 
able wife of Algernon Sydney Fleming is yet living in Lock Haven. 

QUIQGLE FAMILY. 

The ancestors of the Quiggle family were among the early Dutch, or 
German, settlers of Pennsylvania, and came to this country about the be- 
ginning of the last century, (probably 1710-'20,) locating in York and 
Lancaster counties. The original name in German was Quickel, as vari- 



384 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

ous old legal documents show, and this form of spelling is still followed by 
those descendans of the family who reside in the eastern part of the state, 
but the name has been anglicized by the descendants of those who moved 
to the western part into Quiggie, Quigley and Quigel. One Christian 
Quiekel, of Mannheim township, Lancaster county, wns a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. lie had five sons and one daughter, ns follows: 
Peter, who moved to Ohio; Balzer, whose descendants reside in Lycom- 
ing county ; Nicholas, ancestor of the late Hon. James W. Quiggie, 
father of James C. Quiggie ; Joseph M., George, Samson N., and of 
Sallie, (married to Joseph B. Deise,) mother of the late G. Omet and 
James M. Deise, and of John Q Deise, who still survives ; Philip, 
ancestor of the Pine Station Quiggles; Daniel, Jacob. Richard, Robert C, 
Thomas, etc. ; Michael, ancestor of the late Michael and Cline Quigley, 
and of Hon. A. J. Quigley, and through intermarriage of his daughters 
of the Allen, Crane, Crawford, Welsh, Stewart, Montgomery, Baird, 
White and Shaw families; Katie, who married a Myers. The advent of 
the Quiggie family into the West Branch valley occurred about the end 
of the last century, when Michael Quiekel settled at Muncytown; John 
Quiggie and brother in Wayne (then called Nippenose township); Colonel 
William Quiggie and Balzer, up Lycoming creek. 

CARSKADDON FAMILY. 

James Carskaddon, Sr., the pioneer member of the family to locate in 
this section, came from Washington township, Northumberland county, 
and settled on a ti'act of land west of Flemington, now owned by Joseph 
Bi-idgens, Nathan Courter. Benjamin Tliompson and others, located 
partly in Bald Eagle and part ly in Allison townships. James Carsl;addon 
was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. He was twice married — first 
to Christiana Murphy. His father-in-law, John Murphy, came with him 
to this section and lived to be over 100 years old. By his first wife James 
Carskaddon had six children, three sons and three daughters. His 
daughters married as follows: Elsie, the eldest, married Patrick Moore, 
a pioneer settler of iVUison township; Letitia married Edward Ritchie. 
The present generation of Ritchiesare her grandchildren. Ann, the third 
daughter, married David Allen, who lived all his married life on the farm 
now owned by Nathan Courter. His wife received the said farm as a mar- 
riage portion from her father. William Allen, of Bald Eagle, and H. F. 
Allen, of Lock Haven, are her sons. John, the eldest sou, moved to Ohio, 
married and reared a large family. James Carskaddon, Jr., married and 
lived at Flemington all his life. He was the father of nine children — five 
sons and four daughters. William B. Carskaddon, now a respected and 
prominent citizen of Lock Haven, is one of his sons. The venerable 
widow of A. S. Fleming and the late Mrs. Hayes Krebs were his 
daughters. William Carskaddon, the third son of James Carskaddon, 
Sr., lived during his whole life near Flemington. He was twice mar- 
ried, first to Anna H. Condon and last to Mrs. Jane Brady, widow of 
John Brady. By his last wife he had two children, namely, William 
Samuel and Jane Ann Carskaddon. The former is now a respected resi- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY 385 

(lent of Duiuistowii. The latter died when but thirteen years of age. 
William Carskaddon died in his ei.!;hty-seeond year. He was known as 
" Uncle Billy " and his wife as "Aunt Jane." James Carskaddon, Sr., 
died August 15th, 1830. His remains rest in Great Island cemetery. He 
was a Presbyterian, and one of the organizers of the Great Island Pres- 
byterian church. To trace the genealogy of the Carskaddon family up 
to the present time would require considerable effort and more space than 
we can allow. Many pioneer members of the family now sleep their last 
unbroken slumber beneath the sods of Great Island cemetery. They 
were an honest, upright people, who left a record for character and lofti- 
ness of principle that is being emulated by their descendants of the 
present day. 

FARWELL FAMILY. 

The Farvvells were among the early settlers of Chapman township. 
Ijemuel Farwell, the pioneer of the family, located at what was called 
Baker's Town, about the year 1800. He came from near- South Framing- 
ham, Mass. He married a daughter of Abner McCloskey. He settled 
on a tract of land and began farming and lumbering. Lemuel Farwell 
died at the age of fifty-five years and left five children— four sons and one 
daughter. The sons were Abel, who moved to what is now Stephenson 
county. 111., where he died years ago; Jjimes, who settled in Clearfield 
county. Pa., who has also been dead for many years; Lemuel, who died 
at Hyner in 1889; Nathan, who died on the old homestead at Baker's 
Town, in 1887. The daughter married a man named Lingle, who moved 
to Ohio. She died only a few years ago. Abel Farwell never was mar- 
ried. James had quite a large family, and Lemuel had five children— two 
sons and three daughters. The sons are Absalom and Kline J. The 
former is now a resident of Pine Creek township, having moved there 
from North Bend in April, 1892. The latter is a resident of Ilyner. The 
daughters of Lemuel Farwell are Nancy, who was married to G. W. Val- 
entine. She is a widow, and a resident of Hyner. Ira D. Fox, principal 
of the First Ward schools of Lock Haven, is married to her daughter, 
Mary Ann, who was married to a Condon — she died several years ago— and 
Sarah E., now the wife of Samuel Mummah, of Hyner. Absalom Far- 
well has five children — four sons and one daughter. Kline, his biother, is 
also married and has four children. Lemuel, who resides at Glen Union, 
is a son of James Farwell, who settled in Clearfield county. He has six 
children— five sous and one daughter. Nathan, who died at Baker's 
Town, had six children— three sons and three daughters. They are Al- 
bert, James and Lincoln. The daughters are Mary, VVildie and Emeline. 
The daughters were all married. Wildie is dead. Mary is a resident of 
Reading, and Emeline of McKean county. 



OLD RESIDENTS OF CLINTON COUNTY. 



GEORGE ARMSTRONG. 

THIS well-known geologist of Clinton county was born at Newcastle- 
Upon-Tyne, in 1816. When eighteen years of age he accompanied 
his parents to Cape Breton Island, where his father and three 
brothers were sent to erect a self-acting plane for loading and handling 
coal. The work lasted two years, after which the family came to this 
country, landing at Boston, Mass., May, 1837. They immediately pro- 
ceeded to the coal fields of Pennsylvania, locating at Pottsville, Schuyl- 
kill county. The parents remained there but a short time, after which 
they located on a farm near Shamokin, George remaining in the employ 
of Potts & Manning, coal operators of Pottsville. He remained there two 
years, when he was appointed manager for a company at Shamokin. He 
left the latter place and went to Ralston in 1844, where he engaged in 
mining until 1849, when he was smitten with the gold fever, and started 
with six other young men of Lewisburg, Pa., for the gold fields of Cali- 
fornia. He stayed in California one year, when he returned to Ralston 
broken down in health and poor in purse, his trip having provtn a failure. 
On his return he took up his residence at Farrandsville, Clinton county, 
Pa., where he became the supeiintendent of the Eaudeton coal mines, 
which were started and operated under his management for a period of 
eleven years. When the mines closed down he built for himself a com- 
modious house on Fairview street. Lock Haven, Ph., where he took up his 
residence. Since the closing of the Eagleton mines, Mr. Armstrong has 
not been engaged at any special work, except when his valuable services 
are needed by persons to locate coal or fire clay. Mr. Armstrong was 
married in 1838 to Miss Marie Moore, a native of Cape Breton, who had 
accompanied the Armstrong family to America. She died in 1878, and 
since that time Mr. Armstrong has lived with his widowed daughter, 
Mrs. Bittner, in Lock Haven. He will soon celebrate his seventy-fifth 
birthday, and enjoys the very best of health. 

MRS. ELIZABETH DUNN. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Nippenose valley, Lycoming 
county. Pa., April 18th, 1812. Her maiden name was Barker. Here she 
remained until she reached her twelfth year, when she was sent to Hoags- 
town, Cumberland county. Pa., to live with an aunt. She remained at 
Hoagslown for two years. She then returned to Jersey Shore, where she 
lived with her parents four years, after which she went to the home of 
her aunt in Cumberland county. Pa., where she remained until she was 
nineteen years of age, when she came to Liberty, Clinton county. Pa., 
and lived with her parents, a few rods below the river bank, near what is 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLlNTON COUNTY. 387 

now the Liberty post-office. At this time there was but one dwelling on 
what is now the site of Lock Haven, After going to Liberty she made 
the acquaintance of William Dunn, and married him in 1833. After her 
marriage she moved to the Dunn farm on Great Island, where she is liv- 
ing to-day. Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn, although in her eighty-third year, is a 
remarkably well preserved and intelligent old lady. Her store of 
knowledge concerning the early history of Clinton county, Pa., is un- 
limited. She was well acquainted with Uncle Jerry Church, and enter- 
tained him at her home many times. During the great June flood of 
1889 the beautiful Dunn residence was almost carried away by the high 
water, and Mrs. Dunn with other inmates of her household sought refuge 
in the barn, which stood on higher ground. The barn with its contents 
was carried from its foundation, and Mrs. Dunn rescued with difficulty. 
The old lady still resides in her island home, the home she entered as a 
bride sixty years ago ; but he who led her there sleeps his last sleep be- 
neath the Dimnstown burying ground. Her only child, George Wash- 
ington Dunn, rests beneath a costly and handsome monument, erected to 
his memory in Highland cemetery. Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn was a sister of 
W. W, Barker, and is an aunt of Captain R. S. Barker, now postmaster 
of Lock Haven. 

MRS, SARAH HITCHCOCK. 

Mrs, Sarah Hitchcock was born at Sparta, N, Y,, March 5th, 1807. 
Her maiden name was Sarah McVicar, Her father was a farmer, who 
removed with his family to Kingston, Pa,, when the subject of this sketch 
was but one year old, Mrs, Hitchcock is the second of a family of ten 
children, six girls and four boys. The family are all dead, with the ex- 
ception of one sister, who resides in Ohio. Sarah McViear was married 
at Forty Forts, Pa,, July 24th, 1825, to Piatt Hitchcock, She removed 
with her husband to Farrandsville, Clinton county, Pa,, in 1848, and to 
Lock Haven, Pa,, May 1st, 1860, Her husband filled various offices in 
Clinton county, Pa,, and was at one time county treasurer. He was a 
most estimable and useful citizen. Mrs, Hitchcock is the mother of ten 
children— seven daughters and three sons; five daughters are living, viz: 
Miss Phoebe Hitchcock, a former teacher in the schools of Lock Haven, 
Pa., Mrs. Robert P. Lawrence and Mrs, Sarah Moore, both ol Renovo, 
Pa,, Mrs, Charles Stevens, of Scranton, Pa., and Mrs. Frank K. Young, 
of Easton, Pa. Mrs. Hitchcock has been for years a member of the 
Methodist church. Although in her eighty-sixth year, her intellect is 
unimpaired, and her store of knowledge unlimited. She is a great reader, 
and takes as much interest in the current events of the day as anyone in 
the city of Lock Haven. She has resided for years at the home of 
her daughter. Miss Phoebe, on Fairview street. 

ROBERT B. JOHNSTON. 

Robert B. Johnston came to the present site of Lock Haven in the 
spring of 1833. Two of his brothers had preceded him, and were em- 
ployed at that time on the construction of the lock in the West Branch 
canal, Mr, Johnston was born in Columbia county, July 15th, 1818, At 



388 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the time of liis first visit, in 1833, he remained but a short time; but he 
returned in 1835, and has been a resident of Clinton county ever since. 
At the time of his coming, in 1833, the brick hotel, now the residence of 
S. D. Ball, Esq., was just completed, and the Washington house, which 
stood at one time where the Montour house formerly stood, and where 
the hotel Meitzler now stands, was opened the second night after his ar- 
rival by J. P. Huling. Mr. Johnston was well acquainted with Uncle 
Jerry Cliurch. He hauled the timber used in the construction of 
"Church's Folly." In the early history of Lock Haven the voting place 
was at Liberty, and Mr. Johnston m^de a business of taking voters to 
and from the polls, even before he had a vote himself. He followed the 
canal for six years, and during the flood of 1847 his boat was laid up at 
Linden for nearly two months, until the damage to the canal could be 
repaired. From 1848 until 1853 he farmed for Jacob Graffius (father of 
Joseph Graffius, of Lock Haven), the farm buildings being at that time 
about where the Eagle hotel now stands. The old well from which the 
family obtained the water for daily use is still in existence. Mr. Graffius 
sold this farm in 1853 and purchased the one now owned by Charles 
Kreamer, of Lock Haven, Pa., which is located in Bald Eagle valley. 
Mr. Johnston moved to this place in the spring of 1854 and farmed it for 
nine years. He then gave up farming. On the night of the great lii-e of 
1862 he was appointed watchman of the First National bank of Lock 
Haven, which position he held for five years. From 1867, until within 
the past few years, he has followed teaming and working in the woods. 
Lately he has been living a retired life. Robei't Johnston was married in 
1842 to Rachel Hallsey. Their children living to day are Mrs. Martin 
McXerney, Mrs. Patrick McNerney, both residents of Lock Haven, Pa., 
Mrs. George Tarmon, who, with hei' husband, resides on the Hanna farm, 
above Lock Haven, Pa., Mrs. William Fabel and G. H. Johnston, also 
residents of Lock Haven, Pa. Mr. Johnston now lives with his son-in- 
law, William Fabel, who resides on Jay street. Lock Haven, Pa. 

JOHN GOULD, SR. 

John Gould, Sr., was born at Jacob's Plains, Luzerne county. Pa., 
November 3d, 1812. At the age of eleven years he left his home to seek 
his fortune, with a cash capital of twenty five cents. After walking a dis- 
tance of 150 miles, he obtained employment at what was called the Nava- 
Sink, at carrying grog for the workmen employed on the Nava-Sink 
canal. After working here for seven months, he went to Mauch Chunk, 
Pa., where he secured employment from the Lehigh Canal & Naviga- 
tion company. Here he assisted in running logs on the river from Mauch 
Chunk, Pa., to Easton, Pa., and was employed for a time on the first 
railroad built in the United States, the said road being built by the 
Lehigh Coal & Navigation company, and was used for running coal 
from their mines to the canal at Mauch Chunk, Pa. In 1840, in company 
with his brothers and several other gentlemen, they purchased 15,000 
acres of timber land, near what is now White Haven, Pa. Here Mr. 
Gould lumbered extensively until he came to the West Branch of the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 389 

Susquchnniia. in 18()2. From that time until 1876 lie lumbered in dif- 
ferent purls of Clinton county, Pa., his principal contracts being on I'ine 
creek and Haker's run. Mr. Gould and his brother were tlie fust per- 
sons to introduce tlie log peeling industry on the West JJranch. P'rom 
1876 to the present time he has been engaged in farming near Lock 
Haven, Pa. For several years he farmed the land now owned by George 
S. Good, and later moved to the old Price farm, where he lives at the 
present time. Mr. Gould was married in 1840 to Mary Ann Traub, of 
White Haven, Pa. He is the father of eleven children, five of whom are 
dead. Those living are Mrs. Henry McKinney, of Susquehanna county, 
Pa., Mrs. William Wertz and Mrs. Charles Pearson, of Newark, N. J., 
Mrs. J. E. Mason, James W., George T. and John C. Gould, all of Lock 
Haven, Pa. 

Note— The subject of the above sketch died May 28th, 1892, and his 
remains were interred in Highland cemetery May oOth, 1892. 

PHILIP ANTHONY. 

Philip Antliony was born in Lohr, France, within siglit of the great 
Straudsburg cathedral, January 14tli, 1814. He sailed for tliis country in 
Marcii, 1836, and landed at New York May 6th. He remained in tlie city 
of New York until 1843, and was married in the meantime to Philipine 
B( esharr, of Bavaria. In 1843 he came to McKean county, this state, 
and located at what is now called Instanter. Here he resided for two 
years, and then went to Jersey Shore, Lycoming county. Pa. He left 
that place for Lock Haven, Pa., in 1857. He started a tailor shop in the 
Mayer block, on Water street. In 1862 he was located a few doors below 
the Mayer block, and later did business on Vesper street, where his son, 
L. H. Anthony, is now located. Philip Anthony is the father of eight 
children, four daughters and four sons. Tlie daughters are Mrs. R. E. 
Richie, Mrs. Mary Frank, of Lock Haven, Pa., Mrs. Frederick Slifer, of 
Irvona, Pa., and Mrs. W. F. Swengle. The sons who are living arc L. 
H. and J. P. Anthony, both residents of Lock Haven, Pa., tlie latter at 
present serving as alderman from the First ward of Lock Haven, Pa. ; 
two other sons, Charles F. and B. W. Anthony, are dead, the former being 
killed in the war. and the latter dying in Lock Haven, Pa., a few years 
ago. 

(iEOUGE A. EMERY. 

George Arnold Emery was born at Vasselboro, Maine, May 15th, 1810. 
He was the son of Robert S. and Temperence (nee Matthews) Emery. 
He was married December 2d, 1832, to Mary Libby. who was born at 
Gardner, Maine, May 26th, 1816. At an early day he was a lumber job- 
ber, and, previous to his coming to Pennsylvania, in 1850, had lumbered 
extensively on both the Kenebec and Penobscot rivers, lie came to Ly- 
coming county, Pa., in 1850, and settled in Lock Haven in 1853. At 
that time he purchased a tract of land on the hill, now Fairview street, 
for the purjiose, he said, "of living in the country." Although he had 
his home in Lock Haven, he has spent much of his lime away from the 
citv. He has lived and done business in Tioga and Elk counties, and at 



390 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the mouth of Tangascootac creek. While the family were living in Tioga 
county Mrs. Emery met with quite a thrilling adventure. Being left 
alone one night with her three small children, she took a candle and went 
to the yard for some wood; while there she heard a noise, and looking up 
beheld a large panther crouched on the limb of a tree. Had her light 
been extinguished there is no doubt but what she would have met with a 
horrible fate. 

Mr. and Mrs. Emery have seven sons and one daughter. George M., 
who was mustered into the United States service in Company D, 1st 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, August 11th, 1861 ; promoted to sergeant Septem- 
ber 25th, 1862, and mustered out of service September 9th, 1864. John 
C, who is now engaged in the shoe business at Haverhill, Mass. Benja- 
min L., who was a corporal in Company D, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
and was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Va., in 1862, and discharged at 
Alexandria four months later. Orlando H., who was also a soldier in the 
same company, was promoted sergeant in 1863, took part in both battles of 
Bull Run, served through the whole of the Peninsula campaign, and the 
battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded in the last named battle while 
serving as a message carrier for General Meade. He was a brave and 
daring soldier, and was at one time tendered a captaincy, but refused it 
on account of ill health. He died in 1882. The 0. H, Emery camp, 
Sons of Veterans, was named in his honor. Colonel James M. Emery, an- 
oiher son, was also a soldier in Company D, Pennsylvania Cavalry, and 
Company A, 3d Pennsylvania Artillery. He served on various gun- 
boats, and was captured at Smithfield, Va., February 1st, 1864, and con- 
fined in Libby, Andersonville and Belle Isle prisons. He was exchanged 
March 25tli, 1865, and discharged as corporal the following June. Joseph 
L., another son, is at present a prominent lumberman of Westport, 
Clinton county, Pa. Silas W., when thirteen years of age, was accidently 
killed in a saw mill on the Tangascootac creek, and Thankful B., the 
only daughter of the family, died at the age of one month. Mr. and Mrs. 
Emery are still living at their home on Fairview street, and both enjoying 
good health. Although their hair has been silvered by the frosts of three 
score and ten winters, and their lives busy and eA'entful ones, they have 
reared a family to be proud of. When the war cloud of the late Rebel- 
lion hung low over a divided nation, there went forth from their door- 
way five brave and loyal sons to fight beneath the stai's and stripes. 



IMPORTANT EVENTS OCCURRING IN CLIN- 
TON COUNTY. 



FLOODS FROM 1 692 TO 1 865. 

The first important flood on the West Branch recorded in 
history occurred February, 1692. Subsequent floods 
occurred February 12th, 1731, February 17th, 1733, January 
28th, 1737, January 7th, 1762, March 15th, 1784, October 
5th, 1786. The flood of 1786 was called the "Pumpkin 
Flood" from the large quantity of pumpkins that was car- 
ried down the river. The next floods occurred October ist, 
1787, April 6th, 1800, April 23rd, 1804, November 20th, 
1810, August 1 2th, 1 814, and the greatest flood up to that 
time occurred July 20th, 1824. Subsequent floods also 
occurred March 5th, 1831, July 4th, 1832, May 17th, 1834, 
February 12th, 1837, October 9th, 1847, February 7th, 
1853, September 28th, 1861. This flood occurring at that 
time was the highest since the flood of the year 1847. The 
next flood was that of March 17th, 1865. The Susque- 
hanna on that date reached the highest mark it had ever 
attained previous to that time. Much damage was done to 
property along the river. One span of the river bridge was 
carried away. The bridge at Westport and the one at Far- 
randsville were also taken away. Parts of Lock Haven were 
under five feet of water, several hundred yards of railroad 
was washed out, and thousands of logs carried down the 
stream. Mason's mill dam at Tangascootac creek gave way 
and 1,000,000 feet of logs were lost. The logs were the 
property of William Hill, and Fredericks, Kreamer & Co. 
One span of the Queen's Run bridge and both Kettle creek 
bridges were carried away. The brick kilns at Queen's Run 
were also destroyed. The damage done in Clinton county 
by the flood of 1865 was estimated at ^2,000,000. 



392 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

FLOOD OF 1889. 

We are indebted to the Evening Express for the following 
account of the flood of June ist, 1889. The publishers of 
the Express took special pains to publish a full and correct 
history of the events of the week following the flood, and 
the following points can be relied upon as being as correct 
as any other account published: 

The once beautiful city of Lock Haven is to-day a devastated city. 
From about nine o'clock lat<t Friday evening until an early hour Sunday 
morning the West Branch river held full sway in Lock Haven. Nearly 
every stream above this city appeared to have joined hands to make this 
a memorable occasion. The West Branch was literally a vidley of water. 
The dwellings of the poor and the rich on every principal street of the 
city, as well as all the business places and churches, were victims. 

The scenes that have been witnessed in this city during the period of 
time that has passed since Friday evening, May 31st, to Monday evening, 
June 3rd, are almost indescribable. Friday afternoon. May 31st, tele- 
phone messages f lom Clearfield gave warning of a terrible flood at that 
place, and preparations were commenced by everybody for high water, 
although no one anticipated that it would equal in height that of 1865, 
winch had always in the pnst served as high water mark in Lock Haven. 
All of that Friday, May 31st, rain descended heavily, and when, at 8 
o'clock in the evening, the water commenced rising here the rain was 
falling in torrents. The river rose rapidly, and before midnight was over 
the top of the banks. Its raf)id rising was the signal for hasty preparation 
for higher water than ever before witnessed in the city. As the water 
continued rising, (both the river and Bald Eagle creek,) the vast scope of 
land from mountain to mountain was soon a sea of foaming water. The 
boom gave away about 2 o'clock Saturday morning, and millions of feet of 
logs were taken away. Along Water street logs, trees and every con- 
ceivable kind of driftwood went rushing by the houses at a fearful rate of 
swiftness. The night was one to fill the stoutest heart with dread, and 
the dawn of day on Saturday moining was anxiously waited for by thou- 
sands of people. In the meantime men in boats were busy during the 
night taking people from their houses in the lower portions of the city 
and conveymg them to places of imagined security. When day tiawned 
on June 1st the water was stiil rising at a rapid rate. The city was then 
completely iinuiilnted, or at least all that portion lying east of the high- 
lands in the Third and Fourth wards. It was nearly 3 o'clock Saturday 
afteiiioon before the water reached the highest mark, and it then was 
about three feet above the high water mark of 1805. At 4 o'clock Satur- 
day afternoon the flood began to subside, slowly at first, and it was 
nearly night on Sunday before the river was again within its banks. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 393 

Manyppople left tlioir Iimncs ami went to the houses of others on liijjiier 
grouiul tliaii their own. Hundreds went to the First ward scliool build- 
ing and to tlie court house. Horses and cows were taken to tlie hills, and 
in many instances valuable horses and cows were taken to the second stoi-y 
of houses and kept there unf il the flood subsided. When the waters began 
to recede from the streets (Sunday morning) people began at once to move 
about and see how others had fared. Sidewalks had been torn up, and 
driftwood, saw logs, board piles, out-buildings, and everything that would 
float littered the streets, which but a short time before had been teeming 
with a happy, joyous and prosperous people. Stables, out-buildings, fences, 
coal sheds and wood houses had been swept away. Beautiful lawns and 
yards surrounding happy and prosperous homes were ploughed and torn 
by the raging waters. Desolation was everywhere. But the pluck and 
enterprise of the people remained, and everywhere the work of cleaning 
houses and places of business was begun at once. Stores were opened and 
provisions sold to stay the hunger of the people. Everybody seemed dis- 
posed to think they were fortunate in escaping with their lives, and could 
see on all sides persons who had suffered greater in a financial point of 
view than themselves. All day Sunday the work of removing mud from 
houses and stores went on busily, and Sunday night fell upon a tired and 
worn-out people, wearied in mind and body, to whom sleep came as a 
sweet restorer of mental and physical forces. 

The Evening Express of Tuesday, June 4th, says: 

It is too early yet to give anything like correct figures of the losses. All 
have lost heavily, and those best able to form an estimate place the aggre- 
gate in the city alone at $1,000,000. Among the heavy losers are the 
Pennsylvania Pulp and Paper Co., the principal feature of the loss being 
eight car loads of paper and a large quantity of wood and chemicals. The 
damage will not be less than |20,000. The mill is running on full time 
again. Other heavy losses sustained are Shafer, Kintzing&Co., $60,000; 
Hippie & Wilson, $12,000; Kintzing & Bickford, $20,000; T. B. Love- 
laud, $3,500. All these figures are but mere estimates, given without an 
inventory or calculation. 

A meeting of citizens was held last night at the office of Alderman J. 
W. Harris, to take measures for extending relief to the suffering and des- 
titute. Hon. C. A. Mayer was chosen president, and J. W. Harris, 
secretary. 

Relief committees were appointed for the different wards of the city as 
follows: 

First ward — Hiram Myers, C. F, Mann, John T. Beardsley. 

Second ward — J. W. Smith, W. H. Brown. 

Third ward— Rev. H. R. Bender, E. 0. Aldrich, Robert I. Fleming. 

Fourth ward— John H. Agar, E. L. Moore, W. F. Elliott. 

Mayor Mason was appointed chairman of the relief committees, with J. 
H. Laverty, assistant. 

26 



394 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

A sanitary committee to act in conjunction witli the board of health 
was appointed, composed of the following gentlemen: P. W. Keller, W. 
A. Simpson, J. W. Harris. 

CLINTON COUNTY LOSSES. 

Every bridge from Sugar Valley to Bald Eagle swept away. On the 
level lands near the creek all the fences are gone ; houses, barns and 
other buildings washed away. The house at Washington Furnace, occu- 
pied by Robert Armstrong and sister, swept away and inmates drowned. 
House occupied by L. W. Seyler and family, about a mile above Cedar 
Springs, was swept away, and his wife and three children drowned, and 
he caught on a tree half a mile below— was rescued about noon. In Sa- 
lona, the houses occupied by William Emerheiser and wife, and Mrs. 
Snyder were swept away, and the inmates drowned. Also the house oc- 
cupied by William Whitney gone, and the inmates drowned. The house 
occupied by Daniel Dunkle (painter) in Salona, swept away, and he and 
his wife floated on it to Mill Hall, where they were rescued. D. B. Krape 
was rescued near Lewis McNaul's, he had floated down from his home 
above Salona. The store room of T. J. Smull, at Mackeyville, is washed 
away. Vast amounts of property all along the creek washed away or 
damaged. Purst Brothers lost a corn crib full of corn. Pens of hogs, 
fences, crops, and mill property badly damaged. R. Mann & Sons are 
heavy losers — the large engine washed away, and a part of their shops 
and dam. The current swept through the buildings from one end to the 
other. A large lot of finished work was damaged. One end of their Mill 
Hall mill was washed away— also a polishing room, and other buildings 
undermined. 

Communication from one side to the other of Fishing creek was for a 
time entirely cut off. The stone arch bridge at Mill Hall is all shattered 
and unsafe to cross. The one side of Mill Hall is entirely under water. 
Six lives lost near Rote. Seventeen dead bodies have been found thus far. 

Mill Hall has been completely gutted by the flood, entailing heavy loss 
upon the inhabitants. The merchants lose almost evei-y thing in the way 
of stock, but the people are thankful that no loss of life occurred there. 
The town presents a pitiful sight this morning. A. B. Garth & Co. suffer 
a heavy loss, and the drug store of Dr. Caruthers is a complete wreck. 

At Salona six persons are reported missing, and the dead bodies of 
Mrs. Alexander Whiting and Mrs. William Emerheiser, of tliis place, 
were recovered at Mill Hall, and that of a six-year-old child of Lew 
Seyler at Sanderson's. The loss there is terrible, and the whole community 
is in mourning over the loss of life. 

Gr. W. Dunkle and wife had a miraculous escape from drowning early 
Saturday morning. They were both carried away on the top of their 
house from Salona to Mill Hall, where they were both rescued in a re- 
markable manner. A window in the house of John Stearn was kicked 
out, and Mr. and Mrs. Dunkle taken in the aperture, both thus being 
rescued from a watery grave. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 395 

At Flat Koc'k, ji small hmiik't a lew iiiilos smilli of Salona, six [lersons 
were drowiu'd. Their names arc Mrs. Charles Colo and child, and Mrs. 
Clell JJarner and three children. Five of the bodies have been found 
near the place whore drowned. Both Mr. Earner and Mr. Colo were 
away from home. They are working at some point up river. 

At Hamburg, in Nittany Valley, the names of persons drowned as far 
as learned are John Harder, ]Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ryon and Mr. Ryon's 
mother, Mrs. Waliser and three children. 

The list of drowned at Salona includes two persons named Fmmert 
and a Mrs. Snyder. Twenty ])ersons are drowned in Lamar township, 
and two in Porter township. 

The total number of persons reported drowned in Nittany valley is 
given at thirty-six, and many of the bodies have been recovered, but it is 
impossible at this writing to give names of all of them. 

Peter Kai'en, Harry Stannert and Charles Hinton, of Renovo, came to 
this'city yesterday afternoon in a row boat, leaving Renovo at 12:25 p. m., 
and arriving here just three hours later. They narrowly escaped drown- 
ing several times while on the way, but were so anxious to reach their 
families, (Mr. Karen's wife being in this city,) that they risked all danger. 
The two Sunbury men went on down the river, after remaining here a 
short time. 

These tourists report Renovo as being completely wrecked; two sjians 
of the river bridge and the Opera House were swept away. Houses and 
business places filled with water, and the Pliiladelphia & Erie railroad 
track between Renovo and Lock Haven is baldly washed out, the worst 
damage to the road being at Whethani. 

Samuel Spangler, of Renovo, had two narrow escapes from death. 
While attempting to secure a raft along the river shore, the ropes broke, 
and the raft started down the stream with Mr. Spangler upon it. At 
Ritchie he was fortunately taken of? the raft by a raftsman. Mr. 
Spangler walked back to Renovo, and while on the bridge came near los- 
ing his life for the second time. He had just stepped from the first span 
ot the bridge as it left its moorings, and had barely got ofl: the second or 
middle span, when it, too, was carried away. Mr. Spangler will never 
forget the events of this trip. 

The Renovo Record of the 7th inst. gives a full and complete account 
of the damages resulting from the flood in Renovo, and at all points 
along the river from that city to Keating. The Record says there is one 
cheering feature of the flood for which all may be thankful — it has given 
employment to our w^orking people. The railroad company has pressed 
into service every shop man it could spare to repair the roadbed on the 
Eastern division. All the coal miners at Cook's Run mines, lumbermen 
and laborers for miles around, have been employed by the company. 

The flood at North Bend was five feet above the highest point reached 
in 1865. The water drove out all the residents along the river bank on 
the north side, including Judge Crawford, John Quigley, S. Mench, 



39^ PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Waltons and Swoely. The railroad track below the railroad bridge was 
completely under water. The old Caldwell farm house, on the south side, 
occupied by William Earner, was swept away. The family lost every- 
thing they had. The house was built over 100 feet back of the bank. 

William Fluff's house, located about half a mile west of Hyner, was 
washed out and went down in the flood. He lost all his household goods 
and about $60. 

The old Caldwell farm house was also washed away. It was occupied 
by William Earner, and his two sons, Henry and Frank, and their fami- 
lies. They made no effort to leave their home until the house was sur- 
rounded by water. They then left in a row boat. They had gone but a 
few yards when the boat struck the fence and upset, nearly drowning the 
whole party. The wives of the two men caught hold of peach trees and 
held on until rescued. 

The water also came up to Cline Farwell's barn and tore out five or six 
feet of the stone wall. 

Westport has been sevei-ely stricken. The water flooded the entire vil- 
lage. The old store house, barn, out-buildings, and valuable live stock 
of C. R. Noyes were swept away, and his fields and orchards destroyed. 
The county ioridge across Kettle creek was swept away. Every family 
suffered heavy losses. 

The flood at Keating was the greatest ever known to the residents of 
that place. The hotel and depot are the only buildings standing. The 
railroad bridge was raised above the piers and swept away, together with 
twenty-three cars loaded with soft coal. The school house across the Sin- 
nemahoning creek and the three dwelling houses below the Keating hotel 
were also swept down with the flood. James Cannon's shingle mill, Wal- 
lace Gakle's two barns and Mr. Hollingsworth's house, one mile east of 
Keating, are repor ed gone. 

Among the drift which floated down were cofiins and rough-boxes, sup- 
posed to have been washed out of burying grounds along the river. 

Acres of good bottom land owned by William Stout, Eb. Hall and 
others on the south side of the river, were completely washed down to 
the river's bed. 

The loss to Fredericks, Munro & Co.'s fire brick works, at Farrands- 
ville, will be about $1,500, and the store $2,000. They consider them- 
selves very fortunate under the circumstances. The lower end of the 
town suffered the most. 

The corrected list of those reported drowned in Clinton county by the 
great flood places the number at thirty. Twenty of these were lost in Nit- 
tany Valley, seven in Wayne township, and one in Lock Haven. The 
names of the person^ drowned, with their former post-office address, are 
as follows: 



{•ASt AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 39/ 

Lock liaveii — James Guilford. 

Wayne township — William Confer, wife and three children; two chil- 
dren of Jacob Klashner, 

Clintondale — Robert Armstrong and sister. 

Mackeyville — John Barter; Andrew Rhine, wife and two girls. The 
two boys in this family were saved. 

Salona — Alexander Whiting and wife, William Emerheiser and wife, 
and widow of Henry Snyder. 

Cedar Springs — Wife of Luther Seyler and three children. Mr. Seyler 
was rescued from a tree, and his wife's dead body lodged on a drift pile 
within two rods of the tree where Seyler was clinging. 

Rote — Wife of Charles Cole and two children, wife of Clell. Earner and 
twochildren. 

The house and barn of J. Q. Adams, at Island, were both taken away 
by the flood. j\Ir. Adams and familv were in their house, and when it 
began to sway back and forward, as if about to go over, the people at 
Dunnstown could plainly see the danger the family were in. George 
Emery stalled atonce in a row boat to rescue them. When he reached the 
house it had gone over on its side, and the family were hanging in a win- 
dow. Mr. Adams and two daughters entered the boat, which unfortu- 
nately upset, and all were thrown into the water. Young Emery clung 
to the boat, but Mr. Adams grasped a daughter in each hand and threw 
them back in a window of tlie house, where he himself clung. Emery 
swam with the boat to the shore, a distance of nearly a mile, where men 
took him out, and another man went to the rescue of the Adams. The 
second attempt was successful, and they were all saved — father, son and 
two daughters. 

The house and barn of Samuel Ilartsel, in Dunnstable township, were 
taken away by the flood. Barns of the following pei'sons were taken : 
Benjamin Baird estate, Abraham Bartholomew and Mrs. Alexander 
Stewart. The house of B, F. Rodabaugh, at Island, was taken. All the 
tobacco sheds along the river below Island were carried away. Many of 
the farmers lost all their live stock. 

Both of the Island toll bridges are gone. One part lodged against the 
Half Way house, and the other part in Wayne township, opposite the 
farm of Mrs. M. A. Stewart. 

The family of Graf Stewart, of Island, spent Saturday night in the 
Zeigler church. They were taken out of a window in the second story of 
their house and conveyed to the church in a boat. 

The flood in McElhattan creek was terrible. Seven persons were 
drowned, and the destruction of property great. The names of the 
drowned are William Confer, wife and three children, and twochildren of 
Jacob Klashner. 

Mrs. Klashner was carried away by the water, but was found alive on an 
apple tree at the station of the Beech Creek railroad. Twin children of 



398 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Mr. Coufwi- wei'e foiiml Sundiiy tiflernoon alive in a pile of driftwood, 
and one of them afterwards died. 

The West Branch camp ground was inundated and most of the tents, 
tabernacle, boarding houses and restaurant buildings near the mouth of 
the stream were either carried away or badly wrecked. Abont a mile of 
the double track of the Philadelphia & Erie railroad at McElhattan 
stream was swept away. 

The mill ponds of Messr-^. Swartz and Nowland, above Woolrich, gave 
way under the pressui'e of water, and swept trees, lumber and bridi^es 
down the stream, destroying everything. In many places the couise of 
the stream was changed. 

Engineer Swartz, of the Beech Creek railroad, had a narrow escape 
from drowning last Saturday. He had a boat, and seeing a hog of enor- 
mous size j)assing down the river on some debris, he rowed out to bring 
him in. He got the hog into his boat, but the brute being so happy at 
the prospect of getting back to dry land, commenced to dance. Swartz 
yelled at him and tried to quiet him. but it wouldn't work, and the result 
was a capsize of the boat. The hog started for the shore, but not before 
Swartz was astride of him and holding on to both ears. They came in in 
grand style, and the engineer now says that he has pork enough to more 
than pay him for the lost boat. 

FLOOD NOTES. 

The family of H. T. Harvey are in Philadelphia, and their house was 
closed up. All the furniture on the first floor is ruined. 

The steam press and engine of the Express was overflowed, and we are 
indebted to the neighborly proprietors of the Daily Democrat for the use 
of their press. "A friend in need is a friend indeed," 

Cows, pigs and a horse found quarters in the court liouse. The horse 
belongs to R. D. Peck, and barely escaped drowning. He swam from the 
livery stable near at hand to the court house, and walked up the steps into 
the court house on the second floor without difficulty. 

Mrs. William Sykes, who resides with her husband on East Park street, 
died on Saturday while being taken from the house to a place of safety. 
She had been ill. Her age was forty-eight years. 

The residence of R. W. McCormick, on West Water street, and the 
Water Street Catholic church were the only buildings in the main part of 
the city that escaped being flooded. 

Rev. Joseph Nesbit, of Great Island Presbyterian church, went to his 
study on Friday night to secure his library, and while at work the water 
rose so i-apidly that he was kept a prisoner until Saturday night at 10 
o'clock, without food. He then waded to the residence of Mr. J. S. 
Furst, a few doors above the church, where he arrived in a prostrated con- 
dition, so much so that he fainted. He is all right now. 

J. W. Bridgens' new brick house, now being constructed, on Church 
street, was badly damaged by logs, etc., striking the brick and knocking 
the walls down. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 399 

The ice houses of bolh JIussiiui & Kecd iiml Chrisliaii Fiibel are empty 
today. The water melted the ice rapidly, and not a ["article of the crop 
housed last winter remains. 

Tlie household goods of A. S. Grrow lia.d been shipped in a car from 
Philadelphia to this city on Friday. When the cars burned at the freight 
depot on Saturday, the one in which Mr. Grow's goods were stored was 
consumed. His loss by the fire, he says, will be about $800. 

The birth of a daughter occurred at the residence of Rev. S. B. Evans, 
in the First ward, Sunday morning. The physician was brought to the 
house in a boat. 

Charles Corss. Esq., is to be married in Philadelphia on Wednesday. 
This afternoon he staited for that city, accompanied by his daughter. 
They go via Tyrone, and travel in acaVriage drawn by two horses. 

The only person who met death by drowning in this city was James 
Guilford. He attempted to cross Bellefonte avenue, near E. L. Moore's 
store on Saturday," and was carried away by the swift current and 
drowned. His body was recovered. 

W, W. Christie started from the Fallon house about noon in a batteau 
with twelve passengers, bound for points below. He expectsto anchor at 
Williamsport to night, and will proljably not go farther than that, as the 
railroad is in working order from Watsontown east. 

In the ark lodged at the Queen's Run fire brick works, on Water street, 
is a bread board with flour upon it. as if baking operations' were underway 
when the ark escaped. 

The water in the jail was between three and four feet deep. Sheriff 
Leahy was prepared for deep water. Mrs. Leahy had a large quantity of 
provisions cooked and taken up stairs, and when the water came on the 
floor of the jail the pi-isoners were all removed to the upper cells, where 
they were kept until the water subsided. Several families, about thirty 
persons in all — sought safety in the jail and were cared for by Sheriff and 
Mrs. Leahy. 

In removing the paper from the walls of the residence of Stewart Law 
the marks showing height of floods of 184T and 1865 were found. In 1847 
there were two feet of water in the house, in 1865 eighteen inches less. 
The flood of 1889 was nearly four feet higher than the high water mark 
of 1847. 

Last Saturday afternoon after the water began to fall a "little German 
band " got out upon the roof of Schied's Harmonica hotel and began to 
play. Everybody was feeling happy over the fact that the water was fall 
ing, and the music was indeed cheering, and as it was wafted to all parts 
of the city on the gentle breeze it could be heard above the roar and rush 
of the water. 

It was humorously suggested by Judge Mayer to one of our merchants 
that he take down his sign— dry goods. 



BIG FIRE OF 1862. 



IN the preparation of the following sketch we have drawn 
largely on a previous article, written by C. R. Gearhart 
and published in April, 1888, in the Ins2ira)ice Solicitor. In 
Vol. I , No. I , of the Solicitor he says : 

"Saturday morning, December 6th, 1863, will be long remembered by 
many citizens of our city. At 4 o'clock on that memoiable morning the 
alarm of fire rang out on the wintry air, and in a few short hours much 
of the best business part of the town was laid in ashes. This great con- 
flagration has gone into Lock Haven history as the "Big Fire of '63," and 
the incidents the older people tell in connection with it would fill a 
volume. Believing the readers of the Solicitor will be greatly interested 
in a complete account of the fire, its origin, location, territory burned 
over, names and location of the sufferers, losses sustained, scenes and in- 
cidents, we propose devoting much of our space to such an account. We 
have gone to much trouble and made minute inquiry in order to get loca- 
tions exactly correct. Yet we doubtless have made mistakes with all our 
care, for we find people's memories sadly disagree. We acknowledge our 
indebtedness to the Clinton Democrat files, through the courtesy of 
Messrs. Clark & Co., for much of our information, particularly the ad- 
vertisements in fixing locations. There were over seventy business and 
other places burned out, and through inquiry and the advertisements 
above referred to we believe we have pretty correctly located those 
reported. 

This memorable fire originated in the stable of J. F. Sloan & Son, 
located on Jordan alley, in rear of what is now H. S. Baker's stove and 
tinware store. All this square east of Jacob Brown's grocery was owned 
by J. F. Sloan, and was built up with frames almost solid. This fact, 
coupled with a lack of fire apparatus and a strong wind from the west, 
gave the fire a start which made it master of the situation, nor was it got 
under control until it had laid waste four acres, extending as follows: 
From the present dwelling and store of J. B. Lesher, on Main street, 
eastward to the Odd Fellows hall ; both sides Grove street, between Main 
and Water streets, which were at that time nearly a solid block of frames 
from street to street, and from Scott's hall opposite the Fallon house, all 
the way down the south side of Water street to Jay street, and a few small 
buildings on the east side of that street. Of course stables, etc., on the 
alleys were all included in the general destruction. 

Very soon after starting, the fire communicated to Jacob Brown's store, 
located where it now is on Main street. Here a determined effort was 
made to stay the westward course of the fire, and the Shaw & Blanchard 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY 4OI 

lire engine did noble work in saving the residence of Jacob Brown, now 
occupied by J. B. Lesher as dwelling and store. Next east from Jacob 
Brown's store, a few feet away, a frame dwelling was burned, owned by 
J. F. Sloan, and occupied by George W. Marshall. Then came the large 
hardware store of Boggis & Beadle, situated where Hilton & Co.'s drug 
store and T. H. Harmon's cigar store now are, and fronting on Grove 
street. The wind carried great tongues of flames across Grove street from 
the Boggis & Beadle establishment, and soon the entiie Farnsworth frame 
block was a heap of ruins, Mr. A. Farnsworth, the owner, occupied the 
corner as a dwelling, his parlor being where now stands the front of 
Mason's drug store. Next adjoining on Main street was the saddlery of 
A. Farnsworth, and beyond it, also owmd by Mr. Fartisworih, was the 
frame dwelling of John 1., Doty. The next building to go down before 
the devouring element was the frame residence of Hon. R. R. Bridgens, 
located where the opera house now stands. Here the fire met the solid 
wall of the brick Old Fellows' hall, and was stayed so far as the street was 
concerned. It will be seen by the above that ttiis part of Main street was 
not then the business centre it is to day— many private dwellings occupy- 
ing the now busy squares. R. J, Moorhead lost a .f 100 barn in rear of his 
residence, now owned by Charles Corss, Esq. Dr. J. W. Eidred, where R. 
D. Peck now resides, was similarly unfortunate, while W. W. Barker, 
(father of our esteemed ex-mayor), who was then proprietor of the Man- 
sion (now Irvin) house, lost a large and valuable hotel barn, located on 
alley in rear of the hotel. Jacob GrafRus also lost a large barn located in 
rear of Odd Fellows' hall. 

As before remarked, the hardware store of Boggis & Beadle occupied 
the corner where T. C, Hilton & Co.'s drug store now stands. Next north 
the fire consumed the frame residence of J. F. Sloan, while alongside was 
consumed the boot and shoe store of L. Haberstroh. About where the 
W. H. Brown building now stands then stood the large furniture ware- 
rooms of the Sloans. Benner & Gast came next with their gi-ocery and 
meat shop, while Julius Lindig and Thomas H, Poorman completed the 
square to the alley. Crossing the alley the flames destroyed a frame 
structure occupied as offices. Alderman Noble occupying the first and H. 
A. Childs the second. Next came the large shoe store of N. E. Johnson, 
which was the last building destroyed on that side of the street, except 
the bank building, now occupied by Hopkins & Weymouth as a lumber 
office. 

Returning to Farnsworth's block, on the east side of Grove street, we 
find the first sufferer to have been J, H. Schwallenberg, a tobacconist, 
located in the first room north of Parnsworth's dwelling, which stood on 
the corner. Following him came the news store of J. N. Welliver, Then 
the large hardware store of G, W, Marshall & Co., and next the hoop 
skirt factory of Newman Brothers, Following them, located on the 
alley, was the flour and feed store of W. H, Sanderson, C. S. McCor- 
mick, Esq., locates his office on the opposite corner of the alley where 



402 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

Charles O'Connor's insurance office now stands, while the post-office, then 
in charge of A. M. Coe, the law office of Peale & Deise, and the residence 
of Abraham Graffius, which stood on the corner of Grove and Water 
streets, was destroyed as well as all the buildings standing at the time on 
the west side of Water street. The first room next to the residence of 
Mr. Graffius was occupied by him as a dry goods store. Then came the 
law office of C. G. Furst, tlie jewelry store of G. G. Weidhahan, the boot 
and shoe store of Oliver Donaldson, Bamber^ier's clothing store, Isbell's 
jewelry store, the confectionery of John Fox and J. G. Harris & Bro.'s 
dry goods store. These were all on the upper side of the alley. On the 
lower side of the alley stood the brick dwelling of Dr. Shultz, the front 
part being used by him as a drug store. The new store room of J. G. 
Hai'ris & Brother, not completed, came next. Then came the Irvin block, 
also brick, which contained the dry goods store of Simpson & Nye, the 
liquor store of H. B. Amerling, and a millinery store. Then came the 
Clinton house, which stood where the court house now stands. All the 
stables and othei' buildings on the alley, between Main and Water streets, 
were destroyed, the only buildings left standing being those on Main street, 
from the Odd Fellows' block to Jay street. 

Where the office of Hopkins & Weymouth now stands, then stood the 
bank building, which was but partially burned. Next to the said build- 
ing stood the saloon and restaurant of Batcheler & Orth, a brick 
structure. Next came a two-story frame building, occupied at the time 
by Christian Schrader and family. Then came the Mayer block, which 
contained the law office of Judge Mayer, the tailor shop of Philip 
Anthony, and the general store of W. H. Mayer. The large brick build- 
ing of Simon Scott stood next on the corner of the alley. It was not 
burned, but the Mayer block adjoining and all other buildings down to 
the bank were totally destroyed. The Mayers were the heaviest losers. 

The following points concerning the big fire were clipped 
from the Insurance Solicitor of June 9th, 1888: 

The total loss by the fire amounted to $138,000. 

The total insurance amounted to |77,655, and was largely in the Ly- 
coming Insurance company. 

The territory burned over, not including streets and alleys, was just 
four acres. 

The frame dwelling and store of J. B. Lesher has been a barrier to 
three fires. 

J. G. Calvert kept a large store, at the time, where the residence of 
Dr. Hayes now stands. 

The most tireless and successful worker at the fire was Blancbard & 
Shaw's fire engine. It now stands under a shed in the rear of Kreamer's 
lumber office, and is quite a curiosity. 



fAST AND PRKSENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 4O3 

The FhUou house wiis kept by E. W. Bigouy, the Cliiiluii huuse by A. 
H. Mann, and the Mansion (now Irvin) house by W. W. Barker, father 
of ex-Mayor Barker. 

A very active and energetic worker at the fire was Colonel Phaon Jai-- 
rett, of revered memory, who, with his hydropuU, saved the Fallon house 
stables, now occupied by Smith's livery. 

The losers by the great fire of 18C3 were as follows: A. Graffius, C. 
G. Weidhahan, 0. Donaldson, Volney Isbell, J. Graffius, Harris & Bro., 
R. L. Shultz, Robert Irvin, Simpson & Nye, H. B. Amerling, A, Weyl, 
A. H. Mann, R. J. Moorhead, Jacob Brown, J. F, Sloan, J. F. Sloan & 
Son, A. Farnswortli, R. R. Bridgens, W, W. Barker, Boggis & Beaille, 
Louis Haberstroh, Benner & Gast, N. E. Johnson, A. M. Coe, W. H. 
Sanderson, G. W. Marshall & Co., J. N. Welliver, J. H. Sch Wallenberg, 
S. A. Gibson, Lock Plaven bank building. 



MURDERS IN CLINTON COUNTY. 



THE PFOUTZ MURDER. 

THE first murder occurring within the limits of Clinton 
county was what is known as the Pfoutz murder, in 
which a man named Jacob Pfoutz was indicted for the mur- 
der of Alexander Montgomery. A true bill was found 
against Pfoutz September 9th, 1856, and he was put on trial 
the next day. The case was tried before Hon. James Burn- 
side and his associates, Nathaniel Hanna and Anthony 
Kleckner. The Commonwealth was represented by T. T. 
Abrams, C. A. Mayer and S. R. Peale, the former being dis- 
trict attorney. The jurors were Robert Ritchey, Thomas 
Kleckner, Wilson King, David Snook, Morris Mayers, John 
H. Auman, John Shoemaker, Valentine Hanna, David 
Irwin, David Summerson, Anthony Kleckner, Jr. and Jacob 
Rishel. The verdict of the jury rendered September 12th, 
1856, was murder in the second degree. The sentence of 
the Court, pronounced the same date, was that "you, Jacob 
Pfoutz, undergo an imprisonment in the Eastern peniten- 
tiary for a term of five years, pay the sum of ;^ioo fine and 
costs of prosecution." 

THE HARTER MURDER. 

This event occurred at Mill Hall, Pa., in the autumn of 
1858. Theodore Rice, a young colored man, of herculean 
build, met his death at the hands of Elias Harter. There 
had been an ill-feeling existing between the two men for 
some time previous to the killing of Rice. The parties met 
at a dance, which was held at the old hotel stand, and be- 
came engaged in a dispute. Harter, it is claimed, had come 
to the place prepared for an encounter with Rice, and had 
brought with him a heavy club. Rice was a powerful man 
physically, and equal in strength to three men. Harter 
knowing this, determined to take the advantage of him if a 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 405 

quarrel took place. Rice, not knowing his intentions, was 
not on his guard, and during a quarrel was struck by Harter, 
and received a fracture of the skull, which resulted in his 
death a few days later. The case came before Court at the 
December term of 1858. Hon James Burnside was presi- 
dent judge at that time, and Nathaniel Hanna and Anthony 
Kleckner were his associates. C. A. Mayer was district at- 
torney. He was assisted at the trial by John H. Orvis. A. 
G. Curtin, Samuel Linn and T. T. Abrams appeared for the 
defense. The following named persons served as jurors: 
Thomas Yarnel, Thomas Brooks, Benjamin Deise, John 
Strawbridge, Samuel Richard, George G. Irwin, James H. 
McKinney, George A. Achenbach, Thomas J. Rote, Daniel 
Eyre, Thomas Gottshall and Hugh Jordon. The trial lasted 
three days, and resulted in a verdict of acquittal. Elias 
Harter is now a resident of Michigan. 

THE GAINES MURDRR. 

The Gaines murder took place in Keating township July 
13th, 1863. The murder was the result of a quarrel between 
two brothers, William and Robert Gaines. The former 
went to the house of his brother, and shot through the 
window at him, while he was eating dinner. The shot killed 
Robert Gaines. The murderer was arrested and lodged in 
jail. He broke jail and escaped, but was recaptured at the 
mouth of Sinnemahoning creek. William Gaines was in- 
dicted for the murder of his brother, Robert, December 
15th, 1863. The case was tried in Lock Haven before Hon. 
Samuel Linn, Cephas Batcheler and Joseph Quay. The 
trial occurred at the same term of court as the Thomas 
Leach case. G. Omet Deise was the district attorney at 
the time. He was assisted by C. A. Mayer and S. D. Ball. 
The defense was represented by Hugh Nelson McCallister, 
John H. Orvis and S. R. Peale. The jurors who sat on the 
case were Benjamin H. Baird, Samuel Best, Samuel Sig- 
mund, Jr., Henry Caldwell, Benjamin Clark, Henry Krape, 
Samuel Wolf, Hugh Conley, Walter J. Westbrook, James 
T. Taylor, Jesse Laubauch and Matthew W. Ferguson. 



406 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

The trial began February loth, 1864, and a verdict of mur- 
der in the first degree was rendered by the jury February 
2 1st, 1864. A petition for a new trial was presented by the 
defense, which was refused by the Court. William Gaines 
was brought before Court May 12th, 1864, and sentenced 
to be hanged. The case was carried to the Supreme Court, 
and the judgment of the lower Court not sustained. The 
case was then carried to Centre county, and tried before the 
Hon. Samuel Linn. The jury at this trial rendered a ver- 
dict of acquittal. William Gaines resided in the county up 
to the time of his death, which occurred a few years ago. 

THE LEACH MURDER. 

This murder occurred at Washington Furnace, October 
1 2th, 1863. 

The particulars, as near as we could learn, are as follows: 
Washington Iron works at that time were being operated 
by the Fallon Brothers, of Philadelphia; Samuel Watson 
was then superintendent. A dwelling, owned by the Fal- 
lens, was occupied by David Hoy. The said dwelling was 
rented by the superintendent to an Irishman named Thomas 
Leach; the latter desired to take possession of the same, 
and Hoy was preparing to vacate the place, but, being de- 
tained in some manner, was not able to get out of the house 
as quickly as Leach desired. The latter took his gun and 
went to the house, and ordered Hoy to get out at once, and 
threatened him with death if he failed to comply with his 
arbitrary request. Hoy endeavored to explain his delay. 
Leach, who was a cold-blooded, heartless wretch, without 
any provocation whatever, raised his gun to his shoulder 
and shot Hoy, killing him almost instantly. He was ar- 
rested by Sheriff John W. Smith, and a true bill found 
against him by the grand jury at December court of the 
same year. When the case was brought up the following 
jury was empaneled: David R. Summerson, George Shaffer, 
John E. Furst, Charles Russcl, James A. Wilson, Robert 
Kleckner, John Clymer, Bethewel Johnson, Jacob M. Farley, 
Jacob Hess, Seth J. Nelson and Augustus Jones. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 4O7 

Hon. Samuel Linn was presiding judge at that time, and 
Cephas 15atcheler and Joseph Quay were his associates. 
G. Oniet Deise appeared for the commonwealth, and C. A. 
Mayer for the defense. 

Considerable time was spent in hearing the evidence and 
discussing the case, and it was not until Sunday morning, 
December 20th, 1863, that a verdict of "murder in the sec- 
ond degree" was rendered by the jury. Thomas Leach 
was brought before Judge Linn, December 23d, 1863, and 
sentenced to ten years in the Eastern penitentiary. 

During the time he was in prison his wife married again, 
and went with her husband to Nebraska. Leach served out 
his time in the penitentiary, and then returned to this county. 
When he learned his wife had married another man he be- 
came very angry, and swore he would never rest until he 
had discovered their whereabouts and murdered the hus- 
band. It is claimed by some that he followed his wife and 
her new husband to their home in the West, and shot the 
latter, and that he met his death at the hands of a lynching 
party. The latter statement is denied by some, who claim 
Leach changed his mind and settled in the West, where he 
still resides. 

THE HAMMERSLEY MURDER. 

This murder occurred in 1884. Uriah Hammersley, an 
old resident of Leidy township, was murdered by his son- 
in-law, John Kehoe. The facts of the case were as follows: 
Uriah Hammersley was an old resident of Kettle Creek. 
He had reared a family of children. One of his daughters 
was married to John, and another to William Kehoe. John 
Kehoe and his wife did not live peaceably together, and this 
was a scource of strife between Kehoe and Hammersley. 
On several occasions the men had openly quarreled, and on 
one occasion Uriah Hammersley had received a severe 
beating at the hands of the Kehoe brothers. William 
Kehoe moved to the West, but John remained, and was 
prominently engaged in the lumber business. On the day 
of the murder Kehoe's wife, after a quarrel with her hus- 



408 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

band, left her home and went to her father's house, a short 
distance away. Kehoe went to the place and demanded his 
wife's return. Hot and angry words ensued between father 
and son-in-law. Hammersley finally seized a piece of board 
and rushed at Kehoe, striking him several times. The stick 
was wrenched from his grasp, and an effort made to pacify 
him, but in vain ; seizing another club he rushed at Kehoe, 
who drew his revolver and fired four shots, all of which 
took effect in the old man's body. He staggered a few feet, 
and fell dead. He was an old man in his sixtieth year. 
Kehoe was arrested, and after a hearing released on bail. 
During the September term of court of 1884 he was tried 
and convicted of murder in the second degree. He was 
sentenced to the Western penitentiary for three years and 
six months. After his term expired, he returned to Kettle 
Creek, and is a resident of the section at present writing. 
His wife died during the time he was in prison. At this 
trial he was ably defended by T. C. Hippie and John Metz- 
gar, Esq. The Commonwealth was represented by District 
Attorney George A. Brown, assisted by W. C. Kress, Esq. 

THE COLBY MURDER. 

The Colby murder occurred in that part of Clinton 
county known as the Sugar Valley Narrows, on the road 
leading from Washington Furnace to Tylersville. Here, on 
the banks of a little stream called Cherry run, lived Isaiah 
Colby and Norah Colby, his wife. Their home was a rude 
dwelling, built of hemlock boards, containing two rooms, 
one of which was used as a kitchen and the other as a bed- 
room. The house was built on a tract of forty acres of land, 
owned by John Colby; only one-half of this tract was 
cleared, and even that was in such a neglected condition as 
to be almost worthless. The Colbys were a simple, harm- 
less set, and eked out a miserable existence in this cheerless 
spot. Isaiah Colby was a son of Mrs. Anna Colby, born 
previous to her marriage with John Colby. Mrs. Colby's 
maiden name was Fritz, and Isaiah, when a boy, went by 
the name of Malachai Fritz. Nora Colby's maiden name 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 4G9 

was Nora Jordon, a daughter of Flavious Jordon, of Flem- 

ington, Pa. Young Fritz and Nora Jordon were both 

adopted by John Colby, and when they grew up they were 

married, and located on the farm before mentioned. Here 

they met their death at the hand of the assassin Saturday 

evening, August 6th, 1887. The particulars of the crime 

are as follows : 

Oil Monday, August 8tli, 1887, Mrs. Anna Colby, wife of John C'olby, 
and a nephew named Charles, who lived on a farm, about two miles from 
Isaiah Colby's, went to the latter's house, having previously promised to 
assist on that day in harvesting the oats crop. Arriving there Mrs. Colby 
was horrified to find the dead bodies of her adopted children lying near 
each other, about 120 feet from the house, where, from appearances, 
Isaiah had gone to cut grass. He was lying with the side of his face to 
the ground, a bullet hole in his right eye in the corner nearest the nose, 
and a basket, which had been filled with grass, near by. His wife was 
only about an arm's length distant. Entering the house Mrs. Colby and 
her nejihew found the child of Isaiah and Nora, a bright, black-eyed little 
one, almost starved, and crying as though its heart would break. 

■ A coroner's inquest was duly held. Justice of the Peace C. W. Conser 
summoningthe following jury : Samuel Caris, foreman; Emanuel Bressler, 
F. K. Miller, A. J. Grieb, W. H. Rishel and Jacob Ocker. J. D. Hubler 
acted as clerk for the jury, and Dr. J. H. Huston was the examinii)g phy- 
sician. A verdict was rendered in substance that Isaiah and Nora Colby 
were shot to death by a person or persons unknown to the jury. 

Owing to the fact that decomposition had set in, the remains of Mr. 
and Mrs. Colby were lowered in the graves prepared for them in the cem- 
etery at Tylersville, at 10 o'clock Monday night, August 8th, but were 
not covered until Tuesday afternoon. A guard was placed over the 
graves, so that the bodies could not be disturbed. The funeral services 
were held at 2 p. m. Tuesday, and hundreds of i)eoplc assembled from all 
parts of Sugar Valley to witness the last sad rites over the murdered 
couple. Rev. Dotterer, of the German Reformed church, conducted the 
services. During the day ci'owds of people viewed the remains as they 
reposed in the open graves. 

Isaiah Colby was thirty-six years of age. Nora was nearly twenty-one 
years old; they had two children, one fifteen months old, and the other 
about four years old— the ohlest living with its grandparents. 

On Saturday morning, August 6th, 1887. William Ruhl, Ellis Frantz 
and Herman Bressler. farmers who attended the Ijock Haven market, re- 
ported that they hfid been stopped on the highway in the Narrows above 
Washington Furnace, by a man who pointed a pistol at them, and com- 
pelled them to hand over whatever valuables they had. The victims of 
this villain agreed that but one man was seen, and their descriptions of 

27 



4IO PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

the man were alike, all declaring tiiat the man wore light side-whiskers, a 
moustache, had on a slouch hat and a dark cut-away coat— and as soon as 
they had "delivered," he ordered them to move on, saying: "You will 
meet four other men down the road, but tell them that you met me and 
they will let you pass." 

On the following Monday evening, as Chief of Police Westbrook, of 
Lock Haven, was sitting in his office, endeavoring to study up some plan 
whereby the perpetrators of the robberies of the Saturday previous might 
be discovered, Constable Blakeslee came to him and told him of the mur- 
der of Isaiah and Nora Colby, which occurred in the same locality as the 
robberies. The next morning two parties left Lock Haven in search of 
clues that might lead to the detection of the robbers and the murderers. 
The greatest excitement prevailed everywhere in Clinton county. One 
of the men robbed on Saturday morning, being positive that he recog- 
nized James Kline, a weak-minded individual, as the highwayman, 
Kline was taken in charge by Constable Blakeslee, and lodged in the 
county jail. John "W. Johnson, who lived on the Colby place with his 
family prior to the removal thereon by Isaiah and Nora Colby, and who 
was known to have made deadly threats against the Colbys, was the man 
on whom the greatest suspicion rested, and Sheriff May and Constable 
Ellis Myers, of Lock Haven, found him at work in one of his fields, near 
Hublersburg, and took him into custody. The sheriff, learning that Essie 
Kline, a brother of James, was in Lock Haven at that time, sent word by 
a swift messenger to Deputy Sheriff James Wensel to arrest him. When 
the message was received, it was found that Essie had left the city, and 
at that moment was on his way back to his home in the Narrows. The 
deputy, accompanied by County Detective Keller, started after him, and 
captured him as he was traveling along the highway. He was brought 
back to Lock Haven, and arrived there at the same time that Johnson 
was brought in by the sheriff. 

Chiefs of Police "Westbrook, of Lock Haven, and Vernes, of Renovo, 
constituted another party of searchers. It was known that at least one 
of the gang, who committed these robberies and the murder, was yet at 
large, as the man with the revolver and side-whiskers had not yet been 
apprehended. Westbrook and Vernes had gone on the track of a sus- 
picious character who had been seen in the neighborhood, and were led 
into Union county. They run this clue out on Sunday, and found he was 
not the man they were looking for. When the sheriff was after Johnson 
he met ex-Sheriff Shaffer, of Centre county, who is a cousin to Luther's 
father, and who lives near Hublersburg, who told him that a man had 
passed through there on Thursday prior to the murder, and that he looked 
like Lute Shaffer. 

On returning to Lock Haven a conference of all the officers was held, 
and it was decided that the man believed to be Shaffer was the man they 
we.re after, bijt inquiry among his relatives failed to show that he was in 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 4I I 

this part of the country, they believing that he hud jjonc to Kansas, as 
Al. Shaffer, a brother of Luther, a Missouri farmer, liad told them he had 
intended doing. 

The officers were all at sea, and did not know where to turn next. But 
when matters looked the darkest Mrs. Swope, a sister of Shaffer, sent 
word to the sheriff that she wanted to see him. Then it was that the 
sheriff learned that Luther Shaffer had been there that afternoon, and 
after a stormy interview with Mrs. Swope, had left. The sheriff then in- 
formed his colleagues of what he had learned, and the first thing they did 
was to search the house of one Mary Baney, who was known to have l)een 
a friend of Luther's when he was at home before; but they discovered no 
trace of him there. The officers were now satisfied they were on the right 
trail, as Shaffer answered every description they had received of thehigh_ 
wayman, and as having been seen in the vicinity of the Colby house on the 
Saturday before the murder. 

On Friday morning, August 18th, as Sheriff May was standing at the 
passenger station waiting for Erie mail, his son handed him a telegram 
from Associate Judge Crawford, dated at North Bend, which read 
as follows : 

"Come on first train; Shaffer up creek." 

The sheriff then looked about for somebody to go with him, and spied 
Westbrook, who had just got off the train. Officer Vernes was also on 
the train, and when they arrived at North Bend Westbrook got off the 
train and ordered a team to be in readiness in half an hour. The sheriff 
and Vernes went on to Renovo, the former to transact his business, and 
the latter to change his garb to that of a woodsman, after which they re- 
joined Westbrook at North Bend. 

It was about an hour before noon when the party started up Young- 
woman's creek after their man, having secured the services of John Quig- 
gle, of North Bend, as driver and guide. They arrived at Dick Francis' 
camp Friday afternoon, and learned that Shaffer had stayed there the 
night before and had left that morning. Pushing forward they reached 
Oleona in time for supper, and found that Shaffer was only a few hours 
ahead of them. Darkness overtook them when within a mile of Germania, 
and at a point where a road crossed the one they were on, at right angles. 
Here they lost the trail. They went on to Germania, however, and after 
making a search of the town, changed teams, and started for Pike Mills, 
where they arrived about 3 o'clock Saturday morning. It was here 
decided that Vernes and Westbrook should go to Gaines, on t he narrow 
gauge railroad, while the sheriff and Quiggle drove to Lyman's Mills. At 
11 o'clock they again met at Pike Mills to compare notes. They had dis- 
covered where Shaffer had spent the previous night — at a farm house 
about two and one half miles off the public road, but at that point the 
trail was lost, and they knew not in which direction to go. It was then 
decided that the party should divide, one-half to go on the back track, 
and the other to visit Smith's lumber camp, and if Shaffer was not found 



412 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

there this party was to go on to Coudersport. Without losing a moment's 
time, it was decided that the sheriff and Quiggle should take the back 
track and Westbrook and'Vernes the other route. 

The latter party then went on toward Smith's lumber camp, located in 
what is known as Wood Hollow, on the west branch of Pine creek. 
Observing a man coming down the hollow that led to the camp, the 
officers hailed him, and learned that a stranger answering the description 
of the man they were seeking had arrived at the camp just before dinner, 
and complained of being very tired. By an arrangement with the gen- 
tleman whom they had met it was the intention to make the capture 
quickly, and not give the man any chance to fight. This was success- 
fully accomplished, the officers getting within ten feet of their man before 
they were seen by him. Shaffer was sitting on a little rise of ground 
watching other men who were engaged cutting fire wood. He was in his 
shirt sleeves, having left his coat hanging inside the tent. He offered no 
resistance when Mr. Westbrook stepped up to him and told him he was a 
prisoner. The irons were soon placed on his wrists, and he was taken 
down to where the wagon was standing, put aboard and driven to 
Ansonia, a station on the Pine Creek railroad, and that same night he was 
lodged in the Lock Haven jail. 

On Friday afternoon, September 9th, 1887, the four men under arrest 
were arraigned before Alderman John P. Harris, of Lock Haven, and the 
testimony of the witnesses called being deemed sufficiently strong to hold 
them all on the charges of robbery and murder, they were committed to 
jail for court. Shaffer, however, by the advice of his counsel, waived a 
hearing, and stood committed, but he was allowed to remain in the room 
while the examination of witnesses against the others was proceeded with. 
The only evidence adduced that connected the four men jointly with the 
crimes was the testimony of Kate Bartley, who swore that she prepared a 
supper for the four men at Kline's house at 12 o'clock of the Friday night 
preceding the robberies, and that they left together shortly afterward- 
This testimony, however, has since been shown to be false, and the gir^ 
herself has admitted that it was untrue. 

At the September term of the Clinton county Court true bills were 
found against Luther J. Shaffer, John W. Johnson, and James and Essie 
Kline, around whom a strong net-work of circumstances had been woven, 
leading to a suspicion that all four might be impli( ated in the murder of 
the Colbys, although all might not have been active pai'ticipants in the 
commission of the crime. The trial was set down for a special term to 
begin December 5th, and at 2 p. m. of that day court convened. The 
railroad trains on the morning of December 5th were freighted with 
jurors, witnesses, and others, who poured into Lock Haven to become 
spectators at the trial. It was the Mecca to which the curious journeyed. 
Hotels were crowded, and in the thronged offices and reading rooms of 
the different hostelries no other subject seemed to be discussed but the 
Colby tragedy. 



t'AST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNtV. 413 

At 2 p. m. Court coiivcued, a pjuii;! of .sixty jurors liiiviiiy bucu dniwii. 
Hon. Charles A. Mayer, president juili^e, and associates W. Kipp Ches- 
nutt and James W. Crawford occni)ied tlie bench. A great legal contest 
was anticipated — District Attorney George A. Brown and T. C. Hippie, 
Esqs., for the Commonwealth, and T. T. Abrams and W, C. llollahan, 
Esqs., for the defendant Shaffer. Just as the work was to be commenced, 
W. H. Clough, Esq., counsel for Johnson and the Klines, presented a 
petition, asking that the men be tried separately. The petition was 
granted, and Shaffer was selected by the prosecution. The indictment 
was then read, charging him with the murder of Nora Colby, The pur- 
j)ose in omitting the name of Isaiah Colby was, that, if Shaffer should by 
any technicality be acquitted on the charge ol killing Nora, heeouldthen 
be arraigned for the murder of Isaiah. 

Shaffer was ordered to stand up while the indictment was read. He 
rose to his feet; there was not a single indication of nervousness; his form 
was erect, while his eyes, to those who carefully watched him, bore that 
peculiar keen, searching and vengeful appearance so characteristic of 
them. The question was asked: "What say you, Luther Shaffer, to the 
indictment, guilty or not guilty?" Fixing his gaze on Clerk Brown, with 
a smile that seemed defiant, and in a voice as firm as that of a military 
commander, he answered, "I am not guilty!" 

The twelve men selected, in whose hands was to rest the life of Luther 
Shaffer, were as follows: 

Emanuel Robbins, farmer, Pine Creek township. 

John Fluff, farmer, Chapjnan townslii[). 

Prank Barnhai't, laborer, Colebrook township. 

Miles Caldwell, laborer, Bald Eagle township. 

Samuel Smith, laborer, Woodward township. 

William Byer, farmer, Beech Creek townsliip. 

Thomas Burke, laborer, Noyes township. 

Frank A. Heydrick, barber. Second ward. Lock Haven. 

Jacob Messerly, laborer, Dunnstable township. 

Frederick Aram, farmer, Green township. 

Charles Shoemaker, clerk. Second ward. Lock Haven. 

George Her, carpentei', Dunnstable township. 

Tlie trial of Shaffer ended on Thursday afternoon, December 8th, 1887. 
The jury were out but a few moments, and returned with a verdict of 
guilty of murder in the first degree. A new trial was asked for, but re- 
fuseil by the Court, and Sliaffer was sentenced to be hanged for the mur- 
der of Nora Colby. 

The day set apart by Governor James A. Beaver for the execution of 
Luther J. Shaffer was Wednesday, April 4th, 1888. The gallows built 
for Nelson E. Wade, the murderer of the McBride family, was brought 
from Williamsport, and erected in the jail yard at Lock Haven, and upon 
this structure the murderer was executed. Previous to his death he pro- 
fessed religion; embraced the Catholic faith, and was buried in the Cath- 



414 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON CbUNTY. 

olic cemetery on Susquehanua avenue, Lock Haven. The execution of 
Shaffer was conducted by Sheriff W. J. Leahy. The Klines were after- 
wards discharged by an order of the Court, and allowed to return to their 
homes. Johnson was tried for being an accomplice of Shaffer, as the 
threats he had made against the Colbys led people to think he was guilty. 
He was, however, ably defended by his attorneys, W. H. C lough and 
John B. Myers, and was acquitted. 

The farm of the murdered Colbys remained untenanted. 
The place was visited by the great flood of June ist, 1889, 
and every vestige of buildings and fences carried awa)-. 
Cherry run, made historic by the tragedy, is all that is left 
to mark the spot. 

Note — We are indebted to the publishers of Pennsylvania 
Grit for the facts given above, as the points were taken from 
a history of the Colby tragedy, published by them at the 
time when everything was fresh in the minds of the people. 

THE CLEARY murder. 

The Cleary murder occurred at Renovo, Clinton county, 
Pa., March 12th, 1889. 

Policeman Philip M. Paul was shot and killed by Charles 
Cleary. Paul had arrested Cleary for boisterous conduct, 
and had taken him to the lock-up. While the officer was 
in the act of opening the door, Cleary drew a revolver from 
his pocket and fired; the ball took effect in the officer's 
body, and he died in a short time. Cleary escaped for a 
time, but was captured and brought before Hon. C. A. 
Mayer and his associates, James W. Crawford and W. Kipp 
Chesnutt, at the May term of court, 1889. 

The commonwealth was represented at the trial by Dis- 
trict Attorney Brungard and Hon. T. C. Hippie. The at- 
torneys for Cleary were W. C. Kress and C. S. McCormick. 
The jurors were as follows: D. C. Chambers, Byron Van- 
dersloot, C. Smith, Robert Miller, Harry E. Evans, E. E. 
Chambers, N. C. McCloskey, Adam Earon, Thomas Arm- 
strong, Stirling McKean, Stewart Law and Jesse Ricker. 

The trial began May 14th, 1889, and a verdict of murder 
in the first degree was rendered May 17th, 1889. The de- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 41$ 

fense applied for a new trial, which was refused. The case 
was then carried to the Supreme Court, and the judgment 
of the lower court set aside. 

The second trial of Cleary occurred at the April term of 
1 89 1, before Hon. C. A. Mayer and his associates, James 
W. Crawford and James W. Clark. The commonwealth 
was represented by A. W. Brungard and Hon. John H. 
Orvis, and the defense by Messrs. Kress and McCormick. 

A verdict of murder in the first degree was rendered, 
May 2d, 1 89 1, and Cleary was sentenced to be hanged. 
The case was again carried to the Supreme Court, and the 
judgment of the lower court sustained. June 7th, 1892, was 
appointed by Governor Pattison as the day of execution. 
The case was then taken before the Board of Pardons, and 
the sentence commuted to imprisonment for life. Charles 
Cleary was then taken to the Western penitentiary, where 
he is now serving the first year of a life sentence. 

THE LOVETT MURDER. 

On the morning of December 14th, 1889, two brothers, 
William and John Lovett, left their homes in Gallauher 
township, and drove to Lockport, opposite Lock Haven, 
where they left their team and wagon, and crossed the river 
bridge to Lock Haven. Upon their arrival in the city they 
fell into the company of two brothers, William and Charles 
Brown. A feeling of enmity existed between the Lovetts 
and Browns, and during the day a quarrel took place. Wil- 
liam Lovett was a large, powerful man, greatly feared by 
the Browns, who had on several occasions been roughly 
handled by him. On this occasion the bitter feeling re- 
sulted in murder. The Browns crossed the bridge during 
the evening, and there awaited the coming of the Lovetts, 
who were accompanied by a man named Sweesey. Charles 
Brown took the brake stick from Lovetts' wagon and 
awaited their coming at the end of the bridge. At the ap- 
pearance of the Lovett party, who were unaware of their 
danger. Brown raised his club and brought it down with 



4l6 PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 

full force upon the head of John Lovett. William Lovett, 
who attempted to assist his brother, received a blow which 
felled him to the earth. After he had fallen Brown con- 
tinued to beat him until his own strength failed, when he 
walked away, leaving Lovett in a dying condition. The 
Browns went to their homes, and the brother and com- 
panion of the murdered man, not realizing the full extent of 
his injuries, dragged him into a shed near by, and built a 
fire. About daylight on Sunday morning a man named 
Lindsay came along and discovered the men, who were 
asleep. Upon investigation he found that William Lovett 
was dead. His companions were aroused. Lewis Hoover, 
who resided near, was awakened and called to the scene, 
and Sheriff Leahy was sent for. , Upon arriving at the spot 
and learning the particulars of the murder, he at once took 
steps to prevent the escape of the Browns. He secured the 
assistance of Constable Ellis Myers, and together they pro- 
ceeded to Dunnstown, to the home of the Browns. The 
home of William Brown was first visited, and himself taken 
into custody. They then proceeded to the house of Charles 
Brown, who was arrested and both lodged in jail. 

Coroner J. S. Mader empaneled the following jury : 
Orrin T. Noble, Lewis Winner, X. B. Ringler, A. L. Mer- 
rill, S. Mclsaac and P. W. Keller. After viewing the body 
the jury adjourned until Monday morning, when they met 
at the office of Alderman J. W. Harris, and rendered their 
verdict, as follows: "That William Lovett came to his 
death from wounds received at the hands of Charles Brown." 
William Brown was afterwards released from custody, and 
at the next term of court, beginning Monday, February 
24th, 1890, Charles Brown was convicted of the murder of 
William Lovett. The verdict of the jury was murder in the 
second degree. Brown was sentenced to the Western peni- 
tentiary for a term of ten years and six months. It is said 
that since his incarceration he has increased the length of 
his term by bad conduct toward the prison authorities. 



t'AST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY. 417 

VVilliaai Lovett, the inuidercd man, was aged thirty-eight 
years. He was a married man, with a wife and two chil- 
dren. Charles Brown, the murderer, was also a man of 
about the same age. He has a wife and three children, who 
yet reside in Dunnstown. In this trial the commonwealth 
was represented by District Attorney Brungard and T. T. 
Abrams, and C. S. McCormick and H. T. Harvey for the 
defense. 

Note i. — In the sketch of Gallauher township the name 
Jack Lovett appears by mistake ; the name of William Lovett 
should be used. 

Note 2. — Several other murders have occurred in Clinton 
county, one of an Irishman, who was killed at Ferney's Run^ 
and another of a man who was killed at the Washington Iron 
works. The true facts in these cases could not be obtained. 
The person or persons who did the killing in both cases 
escaped, and their names remain unknown. 

Note 3. — As we intend issuing a second edition of this 
work, we will consider it a favor if our readers will call our 
attention to any errors of facts or dates. 

CONCLUSION. 

It was the intention of the Author to add many other 
points of history before concluding this volume, but space 
will not permit. Hoping our efforts to make this work one 
of interest and usefulness will be understood and appre- 
ciated by its readers, we remain. 

Very truly yours, 

The Author. 






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